.,  .      -l  u..  UmIiLu 


f 


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SELECT  REMAINS 

OF 
THE  REV.  JOHN  BROWN, 

IATE    MINISTER    OF    THE    GOSPEL    Af   HADDINCfOSj 

Who  died  June  19,  1787. 
Containing, 


I.  Memoirs  of  his  Life ; 

II.  Letters  to  his  Friends; 

III.  Religious  Tracts  ; 

IV.  Advices  to  his  Children 


V.  An  account  of  some  of  his 
Dying  Sayings  ;  and, 

VI.  Dying    Advices    to    his 
Congregation. 


In  doctrine  shewing  uncorruptness,  gravity,  sincerity,  sound 
speech  that  cannot  be  condemned.     Tit.  ii.  7,  8. 

Be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversa- 
tion, in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity      1  Tim.  iv   12. 

1  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have 
kept  the  faith;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give 
me  atj  that  day.    2  Tim-  iv.  7,  8, 

TO    WHICH    IS    ADDED, 

ADDRESS  TO  STUDENTS  OF  DIVINITY. 


PITTSBURGH, 

PRINTED    AND    PUBLISHED    BY    CRAMER,    SPEAR 
AND  EICHBAUM,  AT    THE  FRANKLIN  HEAD 
BOOKSTORE,    IN     MARKET,    BE- 
TWEEN FRONT  AND  SE- 
COND   STREETS. 


1810. 


I 


PREFACE 


.  •*-  ■ 


THAT  the  subjects  of  the  following  Papers 
are  serious  and  interesting,  we  suppose,  will  be 
readily  admitted.  It  is,  however,  judged  neces- 
sary that  we  attest,  that  the  Papers  themselves 
are  the  genuine  productions  of  our  Father. 

1.  The  Memoirs  were  in  substance  written 
by  his  own  hand,  two  or  three  years  before  he 
died.  It  was  his  care  to  mark  the  singular  dis- 
pensations of  Providence  towards  him;  and  then 
prudently  to  declare  them  to  his  children,  that 
they   also  might  set  their  hope   in   God. 

2.  The  Letters  were  sent  by  him  to  some 
intimate  friends.  We  need  scarce  inform  the 
reader,  that  the  author  never  had  the  most  re- 
mote thought  of  their  being  printed.  Some  of 
the  persons  who  had  them  in  possession,  finding 


[    re.    ] 

tlieir  own  hearts  warmed  with  the  truths  which 
they  contained,  expressed  a  willingness  to  have 
them  made  publick,  for  the  edification  of  others. 

3.  The  Tracts  were  composed  by  him,  and 
published  at  London ;  some  of  them  in  the  Gos- 
pel Magazine,  and  the  rest  in  the  Theological 
Miscellany,  As  comparatively  few  have  seen 
them,  in  these  treasures  of  divine  knowledge,  it 
Was  thought,  that  by  the  reprinting  of  them  in 
this  collection,  they  would  be  of  more  general 
service. 

4.  The  Advices  to  the  children  and  to  the 
congregation,  were  found  among  our  father's  pa- 
pers after  his  decease.  He  was  convinced  in 
his  own  mind,  that  Union  to  Christ,  evidenced 
by  conformity  to  him  in  holiness,  "  is  the  one 
thing  needful;"  this  was  the  doctrine  which,  he 
taught  whilst  he  lived;  and  he  intended,  that 
these  advices  should  declare  his  sentiments  on 
this  subject,  when  he  was  dead. 

5.  The  Dying  Words  were  almost  all  wrote 
down  when  uttered;  and,  as  the  writer  behoved 
to  attend  to  the  duties  of  his  station,  in  a  dis- 
tant part  of  the  country,  much  of  what  was  said 


t     v.     ] 

in  his  absence  was  forgotten.  It  will  be  admit- 
ted  by  all  who  were  acquainted  with  the  •de- 
ceased,  that,  although  he  had  a  peculiar  plea- 
sure, in  relating  the  well-attested  accounts  of  the 
experiences  of  others,  yet,  with  respect  to  his 
own,  he  was  very  reserved.  If  in  the  end  of 
his  life,  he  expressed  his  confidence  in  the 
strongest  terms,  it  can  only  be  imputed  to  the 
fulness  of  his  inward  persuasion.  If  at  last  he 
was  free  in  mentioning  God's  gracious  dealings 
with  his  soul,  it  will  be  remembered,  that  it  was 
only  among  a  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 
But  indeed  his  heart  was  so  much  filled  with 
the  admiration  of  the  love  of  God,  that  "  he 
eould  not  speak  the  things  which  he  had  seen 
and  heard." 

No  doubt  the  editors  will  be  censured  by 
some,  as  too  partial  to  the  memory  of  their  de- 
ceased father,  in  offering  these  papers  to  the 
publick:  we,  however,  flatter  ourselves,  that  the 
pleasing  hope  of  being  instrumental  in  doing 
good  to  souls,  will  always  more  than  overba- 
lance any  uneasiness  arising  from  reflections  of 
this  kind* 


c  vi.  i 

If  some  secure  hypocrites  are  awakened, 
seme  profane  sinners  are  converted,  some  waver* 
ing  Christians  are  established,  and  some  dis- 
tressed souls  are  comforted;  we  have  fully  gain- 
ed our  end  in  the  publication. 

That  the  Lord  may  make  the  perusal  of 
these  Select  Remains,  effectual  for  accomplishing 
such  valuable  purposes  on  many  is  the  prayer  of 
their  servants  in  the  work  of  the  gospel. 


JOHN  BROWN, 
EBENEZER  BROWN. 


Feb.  6,  1789. 


CONTENTS. 


w 


Page. 
Preface        -         ..-..-         -         -    iii. 

fifemoirs  of  Mr.  Brown's  Life         -        -  9 

A  Dedication  of  himself  to  the  Lord         -         -     18 

Letters  11,  12,  15,  16,  17,  19,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25. 

TRACTS. 

I.  Meditation  upon  Christ's  being  made  of  God 

to  us  Sanctifi cation      -        -         -         -     38 

II.  A  Contrast  of  the  Purchase  and  Application 

of  Redemption  -         -         -         -44 

III.  Reflections  of  a  Soul  shut  up  to  the  Faith  -     48 

IV.  Reflections  of  a  Christian  upon  his  spiritual 

Elevations  and  Dejections  -         -     52 

V.  Reflections  of  a  Candidate  for  the  Ministerial 

Office  -  '  ...     57 

VI.  Refections  of  one  entered  into  the  Pastoral 

Office 63 

VII.  Reflections  of  a  Minister  encouraging  him- 

self in  Christ  -  «»    69 


VI11.  CONTENTS. 

VIII.  On  conditional  Electioruand  Free-xvill   -     75 

IX.  The  Parliament  dissolved         -         -         -     79 

<i£'   TheGrandPo11              '              -          -         -  82 

XL  State  of  Britain's  Debt  to  God           -          -  89 

^CII.  Britain's  sole  Preservative     -         -         -  97 

XIII.  Christ  the  best  Minister  of  State             -  101 

XIV.  Blanchard's  Travel  excelled          -         -  107 

XV.  A  sore  vexed  Soul  delivered  -  -  1 10 
The   Author's   dying  Advice  to   his  younger 

Children              116 

Narrative  of  his  dying  Words  -  -  -  120 
His   dying   Advice   to  his   Congregation  and 

other  Hearers              -         -         -         -  162 

Address  to  Students  of  Divinity      -         -         -  169 


SELECT  REMAINS- 

itntiiiii  lit 

MEMOIRS 

OF  Mr.  BROWN9*  LIFE. 

THE  Rev.  John  Brown  was  born  in  the 
year  1722,  in  a  little  village  called  Carpou,  in  the 
county  of  Perth,  Scotland.  The  narrative  of  his 
experience  which  he  left  behind  him  is  as  follows : 

The  more  I  ■  consider  the  dealings  between  God 
and  my  soul,  I  am  the  more  amazed  at  his  marvel- 
lous kindness  to  me,  and  at  my  ingratitude  and  re- 
bellion against  him. 

I  reflect  on  it  as  a  great  mercy,  that  I  was  born  in 
a  family  which  took  care  of  my  Christian  instruction, 
and  in  which  I  had  the  privilege  of  God's  worship 
both  morning  and  evening.  This  was  the  case  in  few 
families  in  that  corner ;  and  it  was  the  more  remarka- 
ble considering  that  my  father  had  not  got  any  regu- 
lar instruction  in  reading. 

About  the  eighth  year  of  my  age,  I  happened  in  a 
crowd  to  push  into  the  church  at  Abernethy,  on  a  sa- 
crament sabbath.  Then  it  was  common  for  all  but 
intended  communicants  to  be  excluded.  Before  I  was 
excluded,  I  heard  one  or  two  tables  served  by  a  min- 
ister, who  spake  much  to  the  commtndation  of  Christ, 
this  in  a  sweet  and  delightful  manner  captivated  my 
young  affections,  and  has  since  made  me  think  that 
children  should  never  be  kept  out  of  the  church  on 
B 


10  SELECT   REMAINS. 

such  occasions.  At  this  period  of  life  my  thirst 
after  knowledge  was  great,  and  indeed  pride  often 
instigated  mc  to  diligence.  My  parents'  circumstan- 
ces were  such,  that  they  were  not  able  to  afford  me 
y  great  length  of  time  at  school  for  reading,  wri- 
g,  and  arithmetick.  I  had  a  particular  delight  in 
Irning  by  heart  the  catechisms  published  by  Vin- 
cent, Flavel,  and  the  Westminster  assembly,  and  was 
much  profited  by  them.  One  month  at  school,  with- 
out my  parents'  allowance,  I  bestowed  upon  the 
Latin. 

My  father  dying  about  the  eleventh  year  of  my 
age,  and  my  mother  soon  after,  I  was  left  a  poor  or- 
phan, and  had  nothing  to  depend  on  but  the  provi- 
dence of  God ; — and  I  must  say  that  the  Lord  hath 
been  '  the  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  the  orphan's 
stay.' 

In  the  thirteenth  and  fourteenth  years  of  my  life, 
the  Lord  by  his  word,  read  and  heard,  did  often 
strive  with  my  soul  for  its  good.  The  perusal  of  Al- 
lan's '  Alarm  to  the  Unconverted'  contributed,  in 
some  measure,  to  awaken  my  conscience,  and  to  move 
my  affections.  However,  some  of  his  hints,  made 
worse  by  my  corrupt  mind,  occasioned  my  legal  co- 
venanting with  God,  I  made  much  the  same  use  of 
that  excellent  book,  Guthrie's  '  Trial  of  a  Saving  in- 
terest in  Christ.'  Indeed,  such  was  the  bias  of  my 
heart,  under  her  convictions,  that  I  was  willing  to  do 
any  thing  rather  than  flee  to  Christ,  and  trust  to  his 
free  grace  alone  for  my  salvation. 

1  had  no  small  pleasure,  about  this  time,  in  read- 
ing religious  books,  such  as  the  Bible,  Rutherford's 
Letters,  Gouge's  Directions  how  to  walk  with  God, 
&c.  By  means  of  attention  to  these,  I  was  lead  into 
some  measure  of  tenderness  in  my  external  beha- 


SELECT    REMAlNSi  11 

viour.  The  impressions  which  were  made  on  my 
mind,  bv  the  sermons  which  I  heard,  and  the  books 
which  I  read,  were  on  certain  occasions  very  great, 
and  sometimes  continued  for  several  days.  Under 
these  I  was  much  given  to  prayer,  but  concealed  all 
my  religious  exercises  to  the  utmost  of  my  power. 
Within  a  few  months  after  my  mother's  death,  I  was 
seized  four  times  with  fevers,  which  succeeded  each 
other  rapidly,  and  which  brought  me  so  low,  that  al- 
most every  person  who  saw  me  lost  all  hopes  of  my 
recovery:  though  I  did  not  expect  immediate  death 
in  those  troubles,  yet  apprehensions  of  eternity  ex- 
ceedingly affected  me.  A  serious  friend  told  me,  af- 
ter I  was  recovered,  that,  when  she  was  praying  in 
my  behalf,  these  words, i  I  will  satisfy  him  with  long 
life,  and  I  will  shew  him  my  salvation,'  were  so  im- 
pressed by  God  on  her  heart,  that  she  was  perfectly 
easy  under  all  my  distress. 

Deprived  of  my  parents,  I  was  obliged  to  leave  a 
small  religious  family,  and  to  enter  into  a  larger. — ■• 
This  was  attended  with  much  practical  apostacy  from 
the  Lord.  My  former  attainments  were  lost,  and  re- 
ligious exercises  were  often  omitted.  Even  secret 
prayer,  was  not  always  regularly  performed ;  but  I  in 
my  folly  pleased  myself,  by  making  up  the  number 
in  one  day,  in  which  I  had  been  deficient  on  another. 

After  many  changes  in  the  frame  of  my  heart, 
Providence  again  afflicted  me  with  a  fever  in  the 
nineteenth  year  of  my  age :  this  in  some  degree  awa- 
kened my  concern  about  eternal  salvation. 

After  my  recovery,  I  heard  a  sermon  on  John  vi. 
64.  4  There  are  some  of  yoiuhat  believe  not.'  This, 
though  delivered  by  one  that  was  reckoned  a  genera] 
preacher,  pierced  my  conscience,  as  if  almost  every 
sentence  had  been  directed  to  none  but  me  -,  and  it 


12  SELECT   REMAINS. 

made  me  conclude  myself  one  of  the  greatest  unbe- 
lievers in  the  world.  My  soul  was  thrown  into  a  sort 
of  agony,  and  I  was  made  to  look  on  all  my  former 
experiences  as  effects  of  the  common  operations  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  In  this  manner  I  viewed  them  for 
many  years  afterwards,  till  at  last  God  shewed  me, 
that  I  was  wrong  in  throwing  aside  all  my  attain- 
ments, as  having  nothing  really  gracious  in  them. 

Next  day  I  heard  a  sermon  on  Isa.  liii.  4.  '  Sure- 
ly he  hath  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows.' 
This  enlightened  and  melted  my  heart  in  a  way  that 
I  had  never  before  felt.  I  was  made  as  a  poor  lost 
sinner,  as  the  chief  of  sinners,  to  essay  appropriating 
the  Lord  Jesus  as  having  done  all  for  me,  and  as 
wholly  made  over  to  me  in  the  gospel,  as  the  free  gift 
of  God ;  and  as  my  all-sufficient  Saviour,  answerable 
to  ail  my  folly,  ignorance,  guilt,  filthiness,  slavery  and 
misery.  Through  this,  and  other  ordinances,  the 
pleasure  which  I  had  enjoyed  in  some  former  years, 
was  not  only  remarkably  returned,  but  I  attained  far 
clearer  views  of  the  freedom  of  God's  grace,  and  the 
exercise  of  taking  hold  of,  and  pleading,  the  promi- 
ses of  the  gospel.  I  had  not  been  much  above  a  year, 
when  I  was  exercised  with  a  new  trial  of  five  years 
continuance.  In  consequence  of  my  anxious  pursuit 
after  learning,  as  opportunity  was  given,  and  espe- 
cially by  the  gracious  assistance  of  God,  I  had  ac- 
quired some  knowledge  of  the  Latin,  Greek,  and  He- 
brew languages ;  and  was  resolving  to  use  them  in 
the  service  of  Christ,  if  he  should  open  a  regular 
door.  My  learning  of  these  languages  without  a  mas- 
ter, except  for  one  month,  occasioned  my  obtaining 
the  favour  of  some,  and  my  meeting  with  the  malice 
of  others.  By  the  last  it  was  represented,  that  I  had 
certainly  got  my  learning  in  some  sinful  way ;  and 
this  groundless  calumny  spread  far  and  wide.  The 
reproach  was  exceedingly  distressing  to  me ;  howe- 


SELECT    REMAINS.  13 

ver,  God  was  gracious,  for  I  enjoyed  remarkable 
mixtures  of  mercy  with  the  affliction.  At  the  begin- 
ning of  the  trial,  these  words,  '  The  Lord  will  com- 
mand his  loving  kindness  in  the  day-time,  and  his 
song  shall  be  with  me  in  the  night,  and  my  prayer 
to  the  God  of  my  life'  were  peculiarly  sweet  to  my 
soul. 

The  members  of  the  Praying  Society,  to  which  I 
belonged,  continued  my  steady  friends,  and  were 
more  kind  to  me  now  than  before.  My  acquaintance 
with  the  world  being  extended,  many  others  also 
manifested  remarkable  sympathy.  But  my  chief  sup- 
port under  the  calumny  was  the  words  of  truth,  which 
the  Lord  enabled  me  to  believe.  At  sacramental  oc- 
casions, at  Dunfirmline,  Burntisland,  and  Glasgow, 
he  marvellously  refreshed  my  soul,  and  made  these 
years  the  most  pleasant  that  ever  I  had,  or  perhaps 

ever  shall  have  on  earth. 

■. 

Discourses  on  these  texts ;  Heb.  x.  37. — c  Yet  a 
little  while,  and  he  that  shall  come  will  come  :'  Ezek. 
xxxvii.  12 — c  Behold,  O  my  people,  I  will  open  your 
graves !'  and  Psalm  xci.  2 — 4 1  will  say  of  the  Lord, 
he  is  my  refuge:' — and  a  meditation  on  Psal.  v.  1. 
*  But  as  for  me,  I  will  come  into  thy  house  in  the  mul- 
titude of  thy  mercy ;'  were  peculiarly  ravishing. — 
Mean  while  the  Lord,  by  the  reproach  which  was 
cast  upon  me,  led  me  out  to  ponder  my  own  heart 
and  way,  and  made  me  to  see  myself  before  him  as  a 
devil,  and  much  worse.  This  excited  me  to  submit 
to  my  lot,  and  kept  me  from  exposing  my  slanderers. 
Micah's  words  much  affected  my  heart ;  chap.  vii. 
8 — 10.  '  Rejoice  not  against  me,  O  mine  enemy ; 
when  I  fall  I  shall  arise ;  when  I  sit  in  darkness  the 
Lord  shall  be  a  light  unto  me,  &c.'  Then,  and  ever 
since,  I  have  found  that  the  Lord  hath  most  plainly 
vindicated  me  when  I  have  made  the  least  carnal 
B  2 


14  SELECT   REMAIN'S. 

struggling  for  my  own  honour.  I  could  not  but  re- 
mark too,  that  the  sting  which  I  had  iound  in  my 
learning,  tended  to  keep  me  humble  under  what  I 
had  attained ;  and  the  false  reproaches  which  I  then 
met  with,  h^tve  made  me  all  along  iess  credulous  of 
what  I  have  heard  charged  upon  others.  On  these, 
and  other  accounts,  I  have  sinct  looked  upon  that  af- 
fliction as  a  kind  providence  to  my  soul.  By  a  won- 
derful variety  of  dispensations,  the  Lord  graciously 
opened  a  w  ay  i'or  my  getting  some  regular  instruction 
in  philosophy  and  divinity;  and  I  was  licensed  to 
pr.  ach  the  everlasting  gospel  in  the  year  1 750.  I 
could  not  but  be  affected,  that  about  this  time,  if  not 
the  same  night,  in  which  I  was  licensed,  my  primary 
calumniator  was  excommunicated  by  his  supporters. 
— Behold,  O  my  soul, '  the  goodness  and  severity  of 
God' — towards  him  severity,  and  towards  me  (per- 
haps ten  thousand  times  worse)  goodness*  Let  me 
never  be  high-minded,  but  fear. 

On  the  morning  before  I  was  licensed,  that  awful 
text  was  much  impressed  on  my  spirits  j  Isa.  vi.  9, 
10.  l  He  said,  go  and  tell  this  people,  Hear  ye  indeed, 
but  understand  not ;  see  ye  indeed  but  perceive  not. 
Make  the  heart  of  this  people  fat,  and  make  their  ears 
heavy,  and  shut  their  eyes ;  lest  they  see  with  their 
eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  understand  with 
their  heart,  and  convert  and  be  healed.'  Since  I  was 
ordained  at  Haddington,  I  know  not  how  often  it 
hath  been  heavy  to  my  heart,  to  think  how  much  this 
scripture  hath  been  fulfilled  in  my  ministry.  Fre- 
quently 1  have  had  an  anxious  desire  to  be  removed 
by  death,  from  being  a  plague  to  my  poor  congrega- 
tion. Ofcen,  however,  1  have  taken  myself,  and  have 
considered  this  wish  as  my  folly,  and  begged  of  the 
Lord,  that  if  it  was  not  for  his  glory  to  remove  me 
by  death,  he  would  make  me  successful  in  my  work. 
As  to  transportations,  I  never  had  a  good  opinion  of 


SELECT    REMAINS.  IS, 

the  most  of  them ;  and  I  always  looked  upon  it  as  so 
far  a  mercy,  that  my  congregation  was  small.  After 
all,  I  dare  not  but  confess,  that  Christ  is  the  best  mas- 
ter I  ever  served :  he  hath  often  laid  matter  before 
me,  and  enabled  me  with  pleasure  to  deliver  his 
mind.  Any  little  knowledge  which  I  have  had  of  my 
uncommonly  wicked  heart,  and  of  the  Lord's  deal- 
ings with  my  own  soul,  hath  helped  me  much  in  my 
sermons ;  and  I  have  observed,  that  I  have  been  apt 
to  deliver  that  which  I  had  experienced,  in  a  more 
feeling  and  earnest  manner,  than  other  matters. 

No  sermons  that  ever  I  preached  were,  I  think, 
more  sweet  to  my  own  soul,  than  those  on  the  follow- 
ing texts ;  Psal.  cxlii.  7 — '  Bring  my  soul  out  of  pri- 
son :'  Isa.  xliv.  5 — c  One  shall  say,  I  am  the  Lord's.' 
— Chap.  xlvi.  5 — '  Even  to  your  old  age,  I  am  He :' 
Chap.  lx.  20 — i  The  days  of  thy  mourning  shall  be 
ended:'  Tim.  i.  15,  16 — 4  This  is  a  faithful  saying, 
and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners:'  Rev.  iii.  21 — c  To 
him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant  to  sit  with  me  on 
my  throne :'  and  John  xi.  28 — f  The  master  is  come, 
and  calleth  for  thee.' 

Now,  after  near  forty  years  preaching  of  Christ, 
and  his  great  and  sweet  salvation,  I  think  that  I  would 
rather  beg  my  bread,  all  the  labouring  days  of  the 
week,  for  an  opportunity  of  publishing  the  gospel  on 
the  Sabbath  to  an  assembly  of  sinful  men,  than  with- 
out such  a  privilege  to  enjoy  the  richest  possessions 
on  earth.  4  By  the  gospel  do  men  live ;  and  in  it  is 
the  life  of  my  soul.'  O  the  kindness  of  God!  Many, 
whose  parents  have  been  spared  with  them  far  longer 
than  I  had  mine,  are  now  in  deep  poverty,  or,  what 
is  infinitely  worse,  are  abandoned  to  all  manner  of 
wickedness ;  while  by  strange  means  the  Lord  hath 
preserved  and  restrained  me.     From  low  circum- 


16  SELECT    REMAINS. 

stances,  God  hath,  by  his  mere  grace,  exalted  the  or- 
phan to  the  highest  station  in  the  church  ;  and  I  hope 
hath  given  me  some  success,  not  only  in  preaching 
and  in  writing,  but  also  in  training  up  many  for  the 
ministry.  He  chose  me  to  be  his  servant,  and  took 
me  from  the  sheeplold,  from  following  the  ewes  great 
with  young ;  he  brought  me  to  feed  Jacob  his  people, 
and  Israel  his  inheritance.  4  Lord,  what  am  I,  and 
what  is  my  father's  house,  that  thou  has  brought  me 
hitherto  !'  Upon  a  reflection  on  God's  outward  pro- 
vidence I  look  upon  it  as  a  mercy,  that,  considering 
the  dreadful  pride  of  my  heart,  God  did  not  make 
my  talent  to  lie  so  properly,  in  a  quick  and  extensive 
view  of  things  at  first,  but  rather  in  a  close,  persever- 
ing and  unwearied  application,  to  that  in  which  I  en- 
gaged.— In  the  former  respect,  I  was  always  much 
inferior  to  many  of  my  brethern. — I  cannot  but  re- 
mark it  also  as  a  kindness  in  Providence,  that  though, 
when  I  commenced  a  preacher,  my  imagination 
sometimes  led  me  to  use  flighty  expressions  in  my 
sermons,  the  Lord  made  me  ashamed  of  this,  as  a 
real  robbery  from  him,  to  sacrifice  to  my  own  accurs- 
ed prid^. — Since  that  time,  notwithstanding  my  eager 
hunting  after  all  the  lawful  learning,  which  is  known 
among  the  sons  of  men,  God  hath  made  me  generally 
to  preach,  as  if  I  had  never  read  another  book  but 
the  Bible.  I  have  essayed  to  preach  scriptural  truth 
in  scriptural  language. 

When  I  consider  my  earthly-mindedness,  I  admire 
the  almighty  grace  of  God,  in  so  disposing  my  heart, 
that  it  has  rather  been  my  care,  to  manage  frugally 
what  God  provided  for  me,  than  greedily  to  grasp 
at  more. 

I  think,  with  respect  to  my  congregation,  that  I 
have  aimed  at  seeking  them,  and  not  theirs  ;  and  I 
am  convinced,  their  charitable  belief  of  this  hath  dis» 


SELECT   REMAINS*  17 

posed  them  all  along  to  regard  me,  and  to  afford  me 
sufficient  subsistence  :  yet  4  it  was  not  I,  but  the 
4  grace  of  God,  which  did  all.'  I  have  looked  upon 
it  also  as  a  gracious  over-ruling  of  my  mind  ;  that 
though  I  have  often  grudged  paying  a  penny  or  two  for 
a  trifle,  the  Lord  hath  enabled  me  cheerfully  to  be- 
stow as  many  pounds  for  pious  purposes ;  and,  owing 
to  kind  Providence,  my  wealth,  instead  of  being  di- 
minished by  this  means,  is  much  increased.  From 
experience  I  can  testify,  that  liberality  to  the  Lord 
is  one  of  the  most  effectual  means  of  making  one 
rich.  4  There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  increaseth ; 
and  there  is  that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet,  and 
it  tendeth  to  poverty.' 

Reflecting  upon  my  own  external  conduct,  I  lament 
that  I  have  been  so  deficient  in  effectual  fervent 
prayer  for  my  congregation  and  for  the  church  of 
God.  '  Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  the  watch- 
men waketh  in  vain.' 

I  lament  that  my  discourses,  and  conversation  in 
my  family  and  with  others,  have  not  been  more  spi- 
ritual. A  sense  of  sinful  weakness,  and  unskilful- 
ness  in  pushing  religious  discourse,  hath  made  me  ad- 
verse from  keeping  much  company ;  and  when  at  any 
time  I  have  been  in  company  with  others,  without 
some  serious  discourse  hath  been  introduced,  I  have 
left  them  with  grief  and  shame.  It  is  a  divine  com- 
mand, '  Let  your  speech  be  alway  with  grace,  season- 
ed with  salt.' 

I  lament  that  I  have  not  attended  more  frequently 
societies  for  prayer  and  spiritual  conference ;  and  that 
I  have  not  been  more  diligent,  in  catechising  and  ex- 
horting children  in  my  congregation.  I  am  persuaded 
that  these  exercises  are  some  of  the  best  means  which 
ministers  can  use  for  promoting  the  weliarc  oi  souis ; 


18  SELECT    REMAINS, 

and  it  would  be  happy  for  the  church,  if  the  zeal  and 
care  of  teachers  were  chiefly  manifested  about  things 
of  this  nature. 

But  the  mercies  which  I  have  received,  and  the 
sins  which  I  have  committed,  are  innumerable.  God 
has  been  doing  (I  had  almost  said)  all  that  he  can,  to 
save,  smile  on,  and  favour  me  ;  and  I  have  been  act- 
ing to  my  uttermost,  in  opposing  and  dishonouring 
him.  And  now,  after  all  that  he  has  performed,  and 
after  all  that  I  have  professed,  I  am  good  for  nothing; 
neither  to  teach  nor  learn ;  neither  to  live  nor  die ; 
but  am,  both  in  heart  and  in  life,  evil,  only  evil,  su- 
perabundantly evil,  unto  this  day. 


Form   of   a    solemn    Dedication   to   the  Lord, 

FOUND    AMONG    Me.    Brown's    PAPERS. 

HADDINGTON,    JUNE    23,     1784, 

Lord,  I  am  now  entering  on  the  34th  year  of 
my  ministry :  an  amazing  instance  of  sovereign  mer- 
cy and  patience  to  a  cumberer  of  the  ground !  How 
strange,  that  thou  shouldest  have,  for  more  than  sixty 
years,  continued  striving  to  exercise  mercy  and  lov- 
ing kindness  upon  a  wretch,  that  hath  all  along  spo- 
ken, and  done  all  the  evil  that  I  could  ;  nor  ever  would 
yield,  but  when  almighty  influence  of  free  grace  put 
it  out  of  my  power  to  oppose  it.  Lord,  how  often 
have  I  vowed,  but  never  grown  better;  confessed, 
but  never  amended !  Often  thou  hast  challenged  and 
corrected  me,  and  yet  I  have  gone  on  frowardly  in 
the  way  of  my  heart.  As  an  evil  man,  and  seducer, 
I  have  grown  worse  and  worse. — But  where  should 
a  sinner  flee,  but  to  the  Saviour  ?  Lord,  all  refuge 


SELECT    REMAINS.  19 

faileth  me ;  no  man  can  help  my  soul. — Nothing  will 
do  for  me,  but  an  uncommon  stretch  of  thy  almighty 
grace. — To  thee,  O  Jesus,  I  give  up  myself  as  a  fool- 
ish, guilty,  polluted,  and  enslaved  sinner — and  I 
hereby  solemnly  take  thee  as  mine,  -as  made  of  God 
to  me  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  re- 
demption! I  give  up  myself,  as  a  poor,  ignorant, 
careless,  and  wicked  creature,  who  hath  been  ever 
learning,  and  yet  never  able  to  come  to  the  know- 
ledge of  the  truth,  to  thee,  O  Lord,  that  thou  mayest 
bestow  gifts  on  the  rebellious,  and  exalt  thy  grace,  in 
shewing  kindness  to  the  unworthy. — O  Saviour, 
come  down  and  do  something  for  me  before  I  die. 
J  give  up  myself  and  family,  wife,  children,  and  ser- 
vant to  thee,  encouraged  by  thy  promises ;  Gen. 
xvii.  7.  Jer.  xxxi.  1.  Isa.  xliv.  3. — lix.  21.  I  commit 
my  poor,  weak,  withered  congregation,  deprived  by 
death  of  its  pillars,  that  thou  mayest  strengthen,  re- 
fresh, and  govern  it.  I  commit  all  my  students  unto 
thee,  that  thou,  O  Lord,  mayest  train  them  up  for 
the  ministry. — May  never  one  of  them  be  so  unfit 
as  I  have  been !  Lord,  I  desire  to  take  hold  of  thy 
new  covenant,  well  ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure. 
This  is  all  my  salvation,  and  all  my  desire. 


(Subscribed) 

JOHN  BROWN. 


30  SELECT   REMAINS. 


LETTERS. 


LETTER  t 

Dear  Siry 

Yours  I  received. — O,  that  we  had  learned 
Christ  to  any  purpose !  it  were  well  to  have  learned 
but  as  much  of  him,  as  to  convince  us  that  he  is  iur 
above  our  comprehension.  There  is  nothing  in  crea- 
tion, but  the  more  acquaintance  we  have  with  it,  the 
more  spots  and  blemishes  we  shall  see ;  but  Christ, 
the  more  he  is  seen  and  known,  he  appears  so  much 
the  more  comely.  Created  things  answer  but  a  Few 
wants,  and  that  for  a  little  time ;  but  Jesus  answers 
all  wants  at  once,  and  makes  up  one  for  ever  and 
ever.  It  is  truly  said  that  silly  trifles  should  be  able 
to  call  off  our  hearts  from  him !  O,  it  is  sad,  that 
when  Christ  is  infinitely  better  than  all,  he  should  be 
chiefly  slighted  by  us !  And  wretched  is  our  ingra- 
titude, that,  when  Christ  has  done  so  much  for  us, 
we  should  be  unwilling  to  do  any  thing  for  him ! — 
O  what  a  mercy  that  he  deals  not  with  us  as  we  de- 
serve !  As  all  lawful  business  is  full  of  Christ,  and 
of  eternal  things,  yours  is  so  in  a  peculiar  manner.* 
Your  asking  of  persons  wThat  they  desire,  as  they 
come  in,  is  an  emblem  of  Christ's  saying, '  What  will 
ye  that  I  should  do  unto  you  ?  Buy  of  me  gold  tried 
in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayest  be  rich.'  Your  arrang- 
ing of  goods  on  shelves,  puts  me  in  mind  of  Christ's 

*  His  correspondent  being  a  merchant. 


8ELECT    REMAINS.  2i 

arranging  his  blessings,  in  the  ordinances  of  the  gos- 
pel and  in  the  various  promises.  Often  you  let  peo- 
ple see  things,  and  they  refuse  to  buy  them  at  all ;  or, 
at  least,  to  take  them  at  your  price ; — a  sad  emblem 
of  our  conduct  before  Christ!  Ah,  how  often  do  we 
come  to  his  ordinances,  and  buy  nothing ;  view  his 
covenant  in  a  careless  manner,  and  refuse  to  have 
any  of  his  special  benefits !  We  reason  with  Christ ; 
not  to  have  his  blessings  cheaper — that  cannot  be  ; 
but  to  have  them  at  a  higher  rate,  than  that  which 
Christ  offers  them.  Is  not  this  madness  with  a  wit- 
ness? We  can  give  nothing,  and  yet  will  bid  some- 
thing, when  Christ  tells  us  that  he  will  not  take  any 
thing  as  his  price.  O,  cursed  is  our  contempt  of  Je- 
sus, when  we  tempt  him  with  any  of  our  things !  Per- 
haps you  sometimes  exchange  goods;  but  no  ex- 
change is  like  that  which  Christ  made ;  he  took  our 
curse,  and  gives  U3  his  blessing ;  he  took  our  sorrows, 
and  gives  us  his  joys;  he  takes  our  old  heart,  which 
is  little  worth,  and  gives  us  a  new  one  ;  he  takes  away 
our  filthy  garments,  and  clothes  us  with  change  of 
raiment !  You  get  your  own  share  of  slack  trade  on 
-some  days ;  but  if  you  could  learn  the  way  of  trading 
quick  with  Christ;  if  bad  debtors  make  you  rightly 
consider  what  you  owe  to  Christ,  and  how  poorly 
you  pay ;  you  might  make  the  worsi  part  of  your  bu- 
siness the  most  profitable. 

Yours,  &c, 
C 


22  SELECT   REMAINS* 

LETTER  II. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  desire  to  sympathize  with  you  in  your  af- 
fliction. Experience  hath  made  me  to  know  how 
hard  it  is  to  part  with  a  pleasant  child.  God  hath  in 
this  dispensation  shewed  you,  that  i  Vanity  of  vani- 
ties, all  that  cometh  is  vanity.'  There  is  no  certain 
source  of  pleasure  besides  Christ.  When  we  come 
into  life,  we  are  much  in  the  same  situation  as  you 
were  when  you  got  home ; — we  find  created  joys  on 
their  death-bed.  May  we  put  as  little  trust  in  them 
as  they  deserve !  In  this  stroke,  I  am  sure,  God  is 
righteous.  Think  if  your  tender  little  one  did  not 
twine  about  your  heart,  and  draw  it  off  from  God. 
Is  it  not  then  just  that  God  abolish  the  idol  ?  But 
methinks  this  stroke  is  not  only  just,  but  it  is  good 
also,  both  to  you  and  to  your  child.  What  you  have 
met  with  on  the  occasion,  appears  to  me  an  evidence, 
so  far  as  I  can  see  into  the  secrets  of  Jehovah,  that 
God  has  at  once  taken  your  child  to  himself,  and  in 
some  measure  taken  your  child's  room  in  your  heart. 
Now,  if,  when  young  ones  are  in  such  danger  here, 
God  hath  taken  your  daughter  to  educate  her  in 
heaven ;  if  she  is  gone  to  Christ,  your  best  friend 
above  as  I  think,  from  your  concern  about  her,  ap- 
pears manifest ;  is  she  any  worse  ?  rather,  is  she  not 
far  better  l  Do  you  well  to  be  angry,  that  God  has 
dealt  so  graciously  with  her  ?  Learn  from  the  death 
of  children,  to  pant  for  the  everliving  God ;  to  con- 
sider them,  and  all  created  things,  as  mere  loans, 
which  God  may  recal  at  pleasure.  Esteem  nothing 
but  Christ,  your  proper  possession :  all  things  be- 
side him  give  us  the  slip.  As  to  the  question 
which  you  propose* — '  How  may  one  know  that  af- 
flictions are  sanctified  V  I  would  answer,  if  they  tend 
to  humble  us:  if  they  open  our  eyes  to  discern  a 


SELECT    REMAINS,  23 

vanity  in  creatures ;  if  they  fill  us  with  resentment 
at  our  sin ;  if,  under  them,  we  would  rather  choose 
to  get  rid  of  corruption  than  of  trouble :  if  we  would 
fain  acquiesce  in  God's  will,  even  in  smiting  us,  and 
are  grieved,  for  the  rising  of  our  hearts  against  him : 
— these  are  a  good  sign  that  our  troubles  are  sanc- 
tified. But,  in  order  to  put  all  out  of  doubt,  even 
now  try  to  believe,  and  lay  the  burden  of  your  whole 
salvation,  upon  Jesus,  as  bearing  your  griefs  and 
carrying  your  sorrows ;  and  then  I  am  sure  your 
trouble  will  be  sanctified.  Fear  not,  only  believe. 
As  to  the  npte  at  the  service  of  the  table  (of  which 
you  spake)  it  was  to  this  purpose :  4  When  the  sa- 

*  vages  of  Louisiana  were  going  to  murder  Lasale, 

*  or  his  Italian  friend,  he  told  them,  that  such  was 
4  his  regard  for  them,  that  he  had  them  all  in  his 

*  heart  j  and  would  they  murder  a  man  who  loved 
1  them  so  well  ?  At  the  same  time  applying  a  small 

*  looking-glass  to  his  breast,  he  desired  them  to  look 

*  and  see  if  it  was  not  so.  It  is  said  that  the  poor 
4  savages,  observing  their  own  image,  had  their  bar- 

*  barity  melted  into  the  most  tender  compassion  and 

*  love;  they  would  not  for  a  world  have  hurt  him, 

*  or  suffered  him  to  be  hurt  by  others.' — '  Now,  be- 
4  lieving  communicants,  Jesus  bids  you  look  into 
4  his  heart,  and  see  yourselves  there.' — "  Behold," 
saith  he,  u  you  were  on  my  heart  from  eternity,  when 
44  I  undertook  for  you ;  then  my  delights  were  with 
44  the  sons  of  men,  and  I  rejoiced  in  the  habitable  parts 
44  of  the  earth !  Lo,  you  were  in  my  heart  on  Calva- 
44  ry,  when  it  was  melted  as  the  wax  with  the  wrath 
44  due  to  your  crimes !  Behold,  how  you  are  in  my 
44  heart,  now  that  I  am  in  the  midst  of  the  throne, 
44  while  I  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  you,  and 
44  prepare  a  place  for  you !" — 4  Will  you  any  more  by 
4  sin  murder  a  man — a  God-man,  that  had,  that  has, 
4  and  that  will  ever  have,  you  in  his  heart?  Melts 
4  not  thy  soul  into  tender  affection  to  him  ?  Startles 


X>4  SELECT    REMAINS. 

4  not  thy  heart  at  the  thought  of  imbruing  thy  hands 
4  in  his  blood  ?  Do  not  all  thy  inward  powers  cry 
4  out,  Was  I  a  very  Beelzebub,  a  prince  of  devils,  in 
4  Jesus's  heart  from  everlasting,  and  shall  I  be  there 
4  to  everlasting  ?  Were  all  his  thoughts,  thoughts  of 
4  love  concerning  me?  Was  all  his  heart  inflamed 
4  with  love  to  me,  and  all  inflamed  with  wrath  on  my 
4  account?  What  shall  I  render  to  him  for  his  kind- 
4  ness  ?  Doth  the  eternal  God  give  me  full  and  ever- 
4  lasting  room  in  his  blessed  heart  ?  And  shall  not  I 
4  give  him  some,  give  him  all  the  room  in  that  stye, 
4  that  hidden  hell  of  mine?  Come  in,  thou  blessed  of 
*  the  Lord ;  why  standest  thou  without  ?  Fill  the 
4  house,  my  heart,  with  thy  glory.  Let  my  tongue 
4  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth  if  I  forget  thee,  O 
4  Jesus,  and  do  not  prefer  thee  to  my  chiefest  joy ! 
4  O  Jesus,  go  up  higher  and  higher ;  and,  ye  created 
4  enjoyments,  come  down,  and  sit  below  his  foot- 
\  stool*' 

I  am  yours,  &c. 


LETTER  Ilk 


Sir, 

Despise  not  the  day  of  small  things,  I  might 
say  of  good  things.  When  you  consider  yourself,  as 
one  of  the  first-rate  deservers  of  damnation,  how  may 
you  admire  the  great  kindness  of  God !  Compare 
your  mercies,  your  visits,  not  with  the  wishes  of 
your  soul,  but  with  the  deserts  of  your  sin ;  and  then 
a  little  one  will  appear  as  a  thousand,  and  a  small  one 
as  a  strong  nation  of  astonishing  favours.  Though 
we  should  get  but  one  smile  of  hio  countenance,  and 


SELECT    REMAINS.  25 

hear  but  one  word  from  his  blessed  lips,  in  a  whole 
year,  what  a  mercy  to  those,  who  deserve  all  the  year, 
throughout  to  be  tormented  in  the  lowest  hell ;  Bless 
God  for  any  transient  blinks  you  enjoy ;  but  let  the 
unchangeable  Saviour  be  the  only  confidence  of  your 
soul.  Frames  as  well  as  heart  and  flesh  do  fail ;  but 
He  will  never  fail  you,  nor  forsake  you.  You  ask  me 
concerning  marks  of  fellowship  with  our  Lord  Jesus. 
Alas,  that  I  should  know  so  little  about  that  happi- 
ness !  How  easy  to  talk  about  spiritual  things  when 
we  feel  not  their  power ;  but,  without  doubt,  our 
communion  with  Christ  is  real,  if  it  make  us  to  lie 
in  the  dust  before  him,  and  cause  us  to  loathe  and  ab- 
hor ourselves  before  him.  Isa.  vi.  5.  fc  Then  said  I, 
woe  is  me,  for  I  am  a  man  of  unclean  lips,  and  I 
dwell  among  a  people  of  unclean  lips,  for  mine  eyes 
have  seen  the  king, — the  Lord  of  hosts.'  O,  what 
a  kindly,  a  heart-humbling,  a  soul-shaming  and  pain- 
ing view  of  sin,  particularly  of  inward  enmity  and  un- 
belief, does  the  smile,  the  voice  of  God  produce ! 
We  cannot  look  on  a  God  of  redeeming  love,  without 
thinking  ourselves  unclean  outrageous  beasts  and  de- 
vils. Ps.  lxxiii.  20,  21 ;  and  Rom.  vii.  24.  Real 
communion  too,  melts  our  hearts  with  love  to  God, 
and  to  his  laws,  ordinances^  and  people ;  and  renders 
us  vexed  and  ashamed  that  we  cannot  love  him  to 
purpose.  1  Cor.  v.  14.  But  it  is  one  thing  to  know 
these  matters  in  our  head,  and  another  thing  to  feel 
them  in  our  heart.  Ah,  how  many  of  us  called 
Christians  are  led  like  beasts  by  the  head;  and  how 
few  like  saints  indeed,  are  led  by  the  heart  I  O,  to 
hear  his  heart  drawing  voice ;  O  to  see  his  soul-at- 
tracting countenance !  O,  to  be  fast  bound  by  the 
cords  of  his  love,  so  that  neither  strong  lusts  within 
us,  nor  numerous  devils,  nor  an  evil  world,  may  ever 
be  able  to  loose  us!  The  Christian  Journal,  I 
suppose,  is  now  published.  You  may  send  for  what 
copies  you  need,  and,  O,  pray  for  its  doing  some 
C  2 


26  SELECT    REJUSttW, 

good !  No  doubt  it  will  be  the  favour  of  death,  and 
a  stumbling  block,  to  some  carnal  and  profane  read- 
ers ;  but,  if  Jesus  render  it  useful  to  the  serious,  it  is 
my  business  to  bear  patiently  the  scoffs  of  the  pro- 
fane. Wishing  that  the  eternal  God,  the  dying  Re- 
deemer, may  be  your  all  and  in  all,  and  the  all  and  in, 
all  of  your  seed. 

I  am,  yours,  &c* 


LETTER  IV. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  received*  yours: — I  would  desire  to  join 
with  you  in  prayer  for  your  children.  May  God 
write  on  the  afflicted  little  one  his  new  name.  I  am 
glad  to  find,  that  you  receive  so  many  of  the  tender 
mercies  of  God  in  your  afflictions.  If  you  or  I  get 
a  crumb  from  the  master's  table,  what  a  wonder  of 
sovereign  mercy  it  is !  It  is  quite  undeserved,  nay, 
contrary  to  all  desert.  Often  it  is  not  desired,  or  ra- 
ther, is  half  forbidden.  What  else  are  our  careless 
prayers,  and  our  careless  waiting  on  ordinances,  but  a 
courting  the  denial  of  mercies !  However,  endless 
praise  be  to  our  liberal  Jesus,  who,  seeing  our  needs, 
doth  grant  unto  us  his  gracious  presence !  His  going 
forth  is  prepared  as  the  morning  ;  and  as  the  rain  that 
waiteth  not  for  a  man,  and  tarrieth  not  for  the  sons  of 
men.  At  our  last  sacramental  solemnity,  I  thought 
that  some  drops  of  Heaven's  dew  fell  on  my  soul. 
The  views  of  that  unmatched  Jesus,  as  my  all  and 
in  all,  suiting  all  my  sins,  and  all  my  troubles,  and 
all  that  I  could  desire,  and  infinitely  more  than  I 
could  ask  or  think,  were  delightful  to  my  heart.  But, 
alas,  such  is  my  worse  than  infernal  temper,  that 


SELECT    REMAINS.  27 

when  "at  any  time  he  begins  to  touch  my  heart,  or  to 
take  me  into  his  embrace,  I  struggle  to  get  from  him  ; 
and  scarcely  are  a  few  minutes  past  when  I  am  often 
seven  fold  more  like  a  child  of  hell  than  before,  in 
respect  of  carnality,  heart  wanderings,  and  the  like ! 
O  that  cursed  heart  of  unbelief,  that  will  forsake  our 
own  mercy ! 

Truly,  Sir,  when  I  compare  the  poor  commenda- 
tions, which  I  give  to  the  unmatched  Immanuel, 
with  the  conduct  of  my  soul,  I  am  apt  to  say,  O, 
what  a  dreadful  compassing  of  God  with  lies  and 
deceit  is  found  in  me!  May  the  Lord  have  mercy 
on  an  inward  blasphemer.  Dear  friend,  pity  me,  and 
cry  mightily  to  God  in  my  behalf.  It  is  shocking, 
if  you  knew  it,  to  think  what  difference  there  is 
between  my  sermons  and  my  own  inward  life.  Oh, 
what  astonishing  grace  and  blood  that  must  be, 
which  can  save  such  devils  *  I  should  say,  such  sin- 
ners worse  than  devils ! — Yet,  O,  to  be  distinguished 

debtors  to  free  grace ! O  happy,  happy,  to  be 

drowned  for  ever  in  debt  to  redeeming  love ! — Oh, 
to  be  set  up  here,  and  at  the  last  day,  and  for  ever, 
in  the  most  publick  place,  as  bankrupts  that  owed 
infinitely  much  to  divine  kindness,  and  that  could 
not  pay  a  farthing ! 

Yours,  &c. 


2%  SELECT    REMAINS 


LETTER  V. 


Dear  Friends, 

The  repeated  strokes  on  your  little  babes  are 
very  affecting ;  but  the  words  with  which  Jesus  en- 
tertains your  souls,  give  you  reason  to  hope  that  the 
children  are  removed,  to  the  immediate  care  of  their 
better  and  more  proper  parents,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost.  Now,  view  the  matter  in  what  light 
you  will,  you  may  see  that  the  Lord  is  doing  all 
things  well.  God  had  a  better  right  to  your  chil- 
dren than  you;  why  then  should  you  grudge,  or 
think  that  you  are  ill  used,  when  he  takes  back  his 
loan  ?  He  can  manage  them  better  than  you.  It,  no 
doubt,  delighted  you  to  see  them  walking  about 
your  hands,  or  dandled  on  your  knees;  but  how 
much  better  is  it  to  walk  about  the  hands  of  a  re- 
deeming God,  and  to  enjoy  him  as  their  eternal  all, 
and  in  all ! 

We  cannot  conceive  the  pleasure  of  Jehovah,  in 
seeing  the  travail  of  a  Redeemer's  Soul:  his  children 
sitting  like  so  many  olive  plants  around  his  table !  It 
was  pleasant  to  hear  a  Saviour  say,  4  Suffer  little 
children  to  cqme  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not,  for 
of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God ;'  and  to  see  him  take 
them  up  in  his  arms  and  bless  them: — but  how 
much  more  pleasant  to  see  him  seat  them  with  him- 
self upon  his  throne,  and  in  his  divine  manner  say, 
44  Bt  hold  I  and  the  children  whom  thou  hast  given 
44  me!" — Methinks  your  babes,  by  their  early  death, 
are,  as  it  were  addressing  you,  u  O,  father  and  mo- 
44  ther,  make  haste  and  come  away — we  are  not  lost, 
44  but  gone  before !  O,  do  not  reflect  on  the  Lord — 
*4  he  does  all  things  well ;  all  his  ways  are  mercy  and 
44  truth."  Beware  of  thinking  that  all  these  things 
are  against  you.     The  Lord's  right  way  is  in  the  sea, 


SELECT    REMAINS.  29 

and  his  path  in  the  mighty  waters.  Though  to  you 
he  is  covering  himself  with  a  cloud  of  dark  provi- 
dences, yet  never  fear,  the  rainbow  of  the  new  cove- 
nant is  round  about  his  head.  God  often  loves  them 
in  a  peculiar  manner,  whom  he  peculiarly  afflicts.  It 
is  really  strange,  that  we  are  all  so  fond  of  having  the 
mark  of  bastards,  viz.  freedom  from  chastisements ! 
— but  what  better  than  opposition  to  God,  can  we 
think,  will  proceed  from  our  carnal  minds.  I  confess 
it  is  not  to  our  honour  that  we  need  so  many  trials ; 
but,  O,  it  is  kind  in  God,  either  to  draw  or  to  drive 
us  to  himself!  O  friends,  fill  your  bosom  with  pro- 
mises, since  your  babes  are  taken  from  you ;  and, 
when  you  lie  down  without  your  children,  take  pro- 
mises to  lie  down  and  rise  up  with  you.  That  single 
promise,  Isa.  xli.  10.  or  that  Isa.  xliii.  1 — 3.  is 
sweeter  than  thousands  of  the  sweetest  babes.  Me- 
thinks  God  is  saying  to  you, 4  Parents,  am  I  not  bet- 
ter to  you  than  ten  sons  ?'  Let  your  hearts  reply, 
4  Yes,  Lord,  thou  art  better  than  a  thousand.  Whom 
4  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is  none  upon 
4  the  earth  whom  I  desire  besides  thee.'  God's  pro- 
mises are  good  bread  for  mourners  ;  and  his  words 
are  refreshing  to  a  sorrowful  heart.  Even  now  he  is 
Saying  to  you,  4  Eat,  O  friends ;  drink,  yea,  drink 
abundantly,  O  beloved!'  Many  a  lesson  we  have 
got,  that  all  besides  Christ  is  fc  vanity  of  vanities ;' 
and  that  time  is  short,  and  eternity  long  and  impor- 
tant ;  but,  ah !  we  are  dull  scholars,  who  scarce  learn 
a  letter  in  a  whole  year !  Since  God  by  troubles  lets 
us  know  that  it  is  night,  and  prevents  us  from  sound 
sleep,  let  us,  instead  of  keeping  dead  babes  in  our 
thoughts,  think,  when  will  it  be  morning?  when 
will  the  Lamb  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  feed  us, 
and  lead  us  by  fountains  of  living  waters?  and 
when  shall  God  himself  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our 
eyes?  May  God,  that  comforteth  the  cast-down, 
comfort  you  by  the  coming  of  Jesus. 

Yours,  SvC. 


36  SELECT    REMAINS. 

LETTER  VI. 

Dear 

Having  heard  some  days  ago  of  your  illness, 
I  have  transmitted  to  you  the  few  following  hints* 

1.  Let  your  days  of  trouble  be  days  of  trying 
your  own  heart  and  way  before  God ;  and,  O,  let 
your  search  be  earnest,  as  you  know  not  how  soon 
death,  and  an  appearance  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ, 
may  actually  take  place.  Mind  that  it  is  not  the 
having  somewhat  of  a  profession,  but  the  having  our 
soul  united  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  our  being  renewed 
in  the  spirit  of  our  minds,  that  will  stand  as  real  re- 
ligion before  God. 

2.  Think  how  much  better  it  will  be,  to  discern 
the  mistakes  relative  to  your  state,  or  relative  to 
your  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  now  when  sove- 
reign grace  may  rectify  them,  than  to  have  them 
discovered  when  it  is  too  late  to  obtain  a  happy 
change. 

3.  Ponder  under  what  view  Christ  answers  your 
case.  He  is  made  of  God  to  you  wisdom,  righ- 
teousness, sanctification,  and  redemption  ;  and  so  is 
answerable  to  you  as  foolish  and  ignorant,  naked 
and  guilty,  corrupted  and  defiled,  imprisoned  and  in 
bondage.  Think,  I  beseech  you,  hpw  he  suits  you 
in  his  new  covenant  characters,  and  how  great  is 
your  need  of  him  in  all  these  views. 

4.  Ponder  carefully,  that  Christ,  and  all  the  ful- 
ness of  God,  is  given  unto  you  in  the  free  promises, 
and  offers  of  the  gospel,  such  as  Prov.  i.  22,  23 — 
ix.  4,  5 — xxiii.  26.  Isa.  xlv.  22,  24 — xlvi.  12,  13 — 
lv.  1,  7 — xlii.  6,  7.  John  vi.  37.  2  Cor.  v.  18,  21. 
Acts  xiii.  26.  Rev.  xxii.  17.  See  that  you  do  not 
merely  look  over  and  think  over  the  scriptures,  but 
try  and  apply  them  to  your  heart. 


SELECT    REMAIN9*  31 

5.  Rather  think  too  ill  of  your  soul's  case  before 
God  anjfcf  your  conduct  in  life,  than  too  well.  If 
they  cannot  stand  the  trial  of  such  texts  as  these, 
Mat.  v.  3,  8.  Rom.  viii.  2 — vii.  14,  15,  24.  2  Cor. 
v.  17.  Gal.  iv.  19 — v'U  15.  Pet.  ii.  7.  John  xxi.  17. 
all  is  naught. 

6.  Consider  what  pains  God  hath  been  at  with 
you.  His  language  in  this  rod  is  plainly,  O  that 
they  were  wise,  that  they  understood  this !  And  see 
also  John  v.  6.  Mat.  xx.  32.  Ezek.  xxxiii.  11. 

Finally.  Mind  that  all  the  instructions  parents 
and  others  have  given  you,  all  the  offers  of  salvation 
which  have  been  made  to  you,  and  all  the  strivings 
of  the  Spirit  with  your  conscience,  will  bear  witness 
against  you,  if  you  make  not  the  receiving  of  Christ 
and  walking  in  him  your  most  earnest  study.  *  Now  J 
my  dear  friend,  4  now  is  the  accepted  time,  now  is 
the  day  of  your  salvation.'  Oh,  harden  not  your 
heart,  but  fly  for  refuge  to  Jesus  as  the  hope  set  be- 
fore you.     May  the  Lord  himself  persuade  you. 

Yours,  &c. 


BETTER  VII. 

Dear  Sister  hi  Affliction, 

I  am  essaying  to  weep  with  you  that  weep. 
Yet  let  me  beseech  you,  that  you  do  not  mourn  as 
those  that  have  no  hope.  4  The  Lord  liveth,  and 
4  blessed  be  our  rock,  and  let  the  God  of  our  salva- 
4  tion  be  exalted.''  Fret  not  at  the  inexpressible 
kindness  of  God  to  your  husband.  We  have  no 
reason  to  doubt,  but  that  he  is  gone  to  Jesus  which 
is  far  better.     No  more  dim  eyes  nor  feeble  limbs 


32  SELECT    REMAINS.  « 

now !  Nor  will  it  be  long,  I  suppose,  till  he  and  you 
meet,  where  ye  shall  for  ever  love  one  anlwier,  and 
rejoice  over  one  another,  as  the  ransomed  of  the 
Lord/  There  the  kind  relations  of  husband  and 
wife  will  be  quite  swallowed  up  in  the  great  rela- 
tions to  God  and  the  Lamb.  The  Lord  hath  now 
an  opportunity  of  giving  you  an  experience  of  him- 
self, as  the  widow's  husband,  the  widow's  judge, 
and  the  widow's  stay.     Stir  up  your  soul,  and  cry, 

*  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth ;'  *  my  Lord  and 
my  God ;'  yea,  mine  own  God  is  he : — I  hope,  Jer. 
xlix.  21.  '  Leave  thy  fatherless  children,  upon  me, 

*  I  will  preserve  them  alive,  and  let  your  widows 

*  trust  in  me,'  will  be  the  security  for  you  and  yours. 
Fear  not,  only  believe.  Permit  me  to  say  a  few 
things  to  the  children.  Remember  your  father  hath 
often  and  solemnly  devoted  you  to  the  Lord,  O, 
for  the  Lord's  sake,  never  give  yourselves  to  Satan 
or  to  your  own  lusts !  If  you  cast  yourselves  on  the 
God  of  your  father,  I  dare  foretel  that  God  will 
take  care  of  you  all,  both  of  soul  and  body.  I  my- 
self was  thrown  to  the  wide  world  when  young,  and 
yet  to  this  moment  I  never  was  in  a  strait  as  to  out- 
ward things,  nor  as  to  inward  things  either,  unless 
when  my  own  unbelieving  heart  was  the  cause. 
Your  friends  will,  no  doubt,  point  out  what  course 
you  should  take  as  to  earthly  business;  but  let  me 
recommend  to  your  consideration  these  scriptures, 
Jer.  xxxiv.  19 — xlix.  11.  Psal.  lxix.  5 — cxivi.  9 — 
xxxiv.  3,  20 — xxxvii.  3,  5.  Isa.  xli.  10,  17,  18 — 
xliii.  2.  Mat.  vi.  33.  Phil,  iv,  19.  I  beseech,  nay 
charge,  every  one  of  you,  to  read  these  scriptures, 
and  to  lay  them  up  in  your  minds.  Perhaps  your 
father's  illness  disqualified  him  for  giving  you  dy- 
ing advice ;  if  so,  take  these  scriptures  instead  of 
them.  O,  if  the  grace  of  God  would  enable  you  to 
live  according  to  the  manifold  directions  which  you 
have  received !  See  that  y  ou  study  to  live,  before 


SELECT   REMAINS.  3S 

"God  and  men,  in  such  a  manner,  as  that  you  will  be 
an  honoutfto  your  deceased  father,  and  a  comfort  to 
your  distressed  mother. 

Yours,  &c. 


LETTER  VIII.* 


Dear 

When  I  get  an  opportunity,  I  have  some 
thoughts  of  making  a  trial  of  the  medicine  which 
you  mention,  though  my  hopes  of  being  better  by  it 
are  not  very  high.  My  life  and  health  seem  now  to 
pass  like  a  declining  shadow,  nor  dare  I  repine  at  the 
matter.  God  hath  in  some  measure  satisfied  me 
with  old  age ;  I  would  therefore  be  longing  to  see 
his  salvation.  I  observe  several  things  relative  to 
my  family,  which  urge  my  carnal  heart  to  wish  con- 
tinuance ;  but  my  death  can  make  no  vacancy  in  my 
family,  and  far  less  in  the  church,  which  Jesus  can- 
not easily  fill  up.  What  I  desire  is,  to  have  the  pre- 
sence of  God  in  my  trouble,  and  to  be  enabled  to  act 
for  his  glory.  I  can  hardly  bear  the  thought  of  being 
consigned  to  be  an  useless  weight  on  his  earth.  But 
I  must  not  quarrel  at  his  disposal ; — he  cannot  but  do 
right,  nor  would  I  wish  to  attempt  making  straight 
what  he  has  made  crooked.  Redemption  through 
his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to 
the  riches  of  his  grace,  is  what  I  ever  desire  to  en- 
joy ;  and  I  wish  to  leave  the  circumstances  of  my  de- 

•  This  and  the  three  following  letters  were  written  by  the 
author  to  his  relations,  when  he  was  in  distress. 
D 


34  SELECT    REMAINS. 

parture  to  his  high  sovereign  will.  If  grace  reigns 
through  Jesus's  righteousness  to  eternal  iife  to  me 
and  mine,  I  ask  no  more.  I  believe  that  I  shall  nev- 
er be  perfectly  well,  till  I  be  with  the  Lamb  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne.  In  the  mean  time  I  earnestly 
desire  to  die  as  a  wax  taper,  sending  forth  a  sweet 
smell  of  him,  whose  garments  smell  of  myrrh,  aloes, 
and  cassia. 

I  am  yours,  &c. 


LETTER  IX. 


Dear 

I  am  at  present  in  a  weak  and  languishing  con- 
dition ;  but  as  it  is  the  doing  of  the  Lord,  I  desire 
to  be  resigned;  and  would  gladly  be  content,  whe- 
ther death  or  recovery  be  the  issue.  Indeed  the  de- 
sire of  my  heart  is,  that,  if  it  be  his  will,  I  should 
depart  and  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better  than 
being  in  this  sinful  world.  But  it  would  be  impro- 
per for  me  to  set  up  my  ignorant  and  corrupt  will,  as 
a  rule  to  the  Most  High.  I  wish  to  be  at  entire  and 
cordial  resignation  to  his  will,  who  hath  so  gracious- 
ly performed  all  things  for  me.  Let  Him  recover,  or 
let  Him  kill  me,  as  is  most  for  his  glory,  I  hope  that 
it  shall  be  in  infinite  love  to  my  soul.  I  desire  to  take 
all  kindly  from  his  hand,  and  I  hope  that  he  will 
sweeten  all  with  believing  views  of  his  everlasting 
love  to  me.  To  leave  a  multitude  of  kind  relations, 
hearers  and  neighbours,  on  earth,  is  an  easy  matter, 
in  order  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Jesus  Christ  for 
ever.     When  I  write  perhaps  my  last  letter  to  you, 


SELECT    REMAINS.  35 

0  that  I  could  commend  Him  who  is  white  and 
ruddy ;  the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand,  and  altoge- 
ther lovely !  Rather,  O  that  the  Holy  Ghost  would 
enable  you  and  your  children  to  come  and  see  him. 

1  am  sure  that  is  a  pleasant  and  enriching  sight! 
May  never  one  of  you  get  rest  in  your  minds  till 
you  obtain  such  a  blessed  discovery !  I  give  it,  per- 
haps, as  my  last  words  to  you  and  your  children,  that 
there  is  none  like  Christ,  there  is  none  like  Christ, 
there  is  none  like  Christ ! 

Yours,  affectionately,  &c. 


LETTER  X. 


Dear 

My  weakness  still  continues,  nor  indeed  is  my 
mind  anxious  about  this,  but  a  Christ-glorifying 
death,  and  a  being  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  My  con- 
cern too  is,  that  all  my  relations  should  have  my  place 
on  earth  delightfully  supplied  by  the  knowledge,  care 
and  fellowship  of  Jesus  Christ:  even  He  whom,  not- 
withstanding all  my  present  and  now  long- continued 
carelessness  and  wickedness.  I  still  hold  to  be  Jesus 
Christ  my  Lord,  O,  could  my  soul  enter  into  the 
full  meaning  of  these  words  as  I  would  wish !  But  I 
hope  that  I  shall  be  allowed  this  attainment  by  and 
by.  Already  my  poor  soul,  in  a  manner  hovering 
between  time  and  eternity,  cries  '  None  like  Christ  r 
and  '  None  but  Christ  for  me?  And  may  I,  and  all 
my  relations  and  friends,  be  his  henceforth  and  for 
ever!  It  is  no  small  comfort  to  have  my  relations  on 
earth  so  kind  and  agreeable  to  me ;  but  my  superla- 
tive desire,  I  think,  is  to  be  with  Jesus  and  his  ran- 


36  SELECT   REMAINS. 

somed  millions  above.  That  such  a  sinner,  and  origi- 
nally such  a  mean  sinner,  should  be  kindly  treated  by 
so  many  brethren  and  friends,  doth  and  may  amaze 
me ;  but  O,  how  sweetly  doth  Jesus  and  his  spirit 
exceed  them  all !  Now  I  in  some  sweet  measure  feel 
and  see,  that  there  is  no  friendship  like  that  of  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.  This  week  my  bodily  appetite 
is  no  better ;  but  little  matter,  if  God  would  ena- 
ble me  to  drink  up  a  river  of  his  redeeming  blood, 
and  to  feed  full  on  Jesus's  flesh — on  all  the  fulness 
©f  God.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  let  my  weak- 
ness be  represented  to  them ;  and,  if  they  judge  that 
it  has  disqualified  me  for  teaching  the  students,  I 
heartily  agree  to  be  laid  aside  from  this  work,  and 
that  one  more  fit  should  be  chosen.  It  is  Jesus  Christy 
whom  I  wish  to  have  exalted ;  and  the  best  means 
for  saving  sinners,  I  wish  to  take  place.  I  hope  the 
brethren  will  take  care  to  supply  my  congregation 
with  sermons,  as  want  of  this  would  sink  my  spirits. 
I  have  been  but  a  dry  tree  myself  among  them  ;  and 
O,  it  would  rejoice  my  heart  to  hear  of  Jesus's  pow- 
er being  felt,  and  his  glory  seen  by  the  ministry  of  my 
brethren  helping  me !  I  do  not  wish  to  be  a  burden  to 
them ;  and,  if  Providence  bring  me  back  into  any 
measure  of  strength,  I  shall  inform  the  supplier.  The 
longer  I  live,  I  see  myself  the  less  worthy  of  being 
regarded  by  any  body. — Wishing  all  the  blessings  of 
time  and  eternity  on  your  family,  and  that  the  Lord 
may  render  you  and  your  brother,  and  all  my  pupils, 
more  faithful,  diligent,  and  successful  in  the  ministry 
than  I  have  been, 
fu,  I  remain  yours,  &c 


sEtEGT   REMAINS*  57 

LETTER  XL 


I  am,  and  have  been  since  you  went  away, 
much  as  when  you  saw  me.  Still  weak,  but  desiring 
to  wait  for  the  salvation  of  God,  which  I  hope  will 
make  me  strong  in  his  due  time :  his  afflicting  hand 
lies  very  mercifully  on  me :  how  pleasantly  his  glori- 
fying hand,  in  a  short  time,  will  lie  on  me,  I  with  hu- 
mility wish  to  know,  as  soon  as  it  is  for  his  glory, 
and  my  own  and  others'  good.  O,  study  early  fel- 
lowship with  Christ.  It  is  sweet,  in  days  of  trouble, 
to  look  back  to  this.  I  hope  that  you  will  not  grudge 
to  preach  for  me  another  sabbath;  and  may  that 
sweet  Jesus  Christ,  and  his  Spirit,  give  you  and  me 
many  days  of  sweet  fellowship  with  them,  which  I 
am  sure  and  glad  they  can  give  us.  My  allowed  in- 
clination is  to  serve  the  Lord  on  earth,  or  to  praise 
him  in  heaven,  as  he  thinks  most  for  his  honour,  for 
a  time  ;  though,  saving  his  will,  I  would  cheerfully 
prefer  the  last.  O,  to  be  with  Christ  in  heaven,  ap- 
pears to  me  a  double,  a  triple  heaven  for  such  a  sin- 
ner! This,  with  my  kind  compliments;  to  all  my 
brethren  about  you. 

Yours  affectionately,  &c. 
D  2 


38  SELECT    REMAINS/ 


TRACTS. 


TRACT  L 

Meditation  upon  Christ's  being  made  of  God  to  us 
Sanctifi cation* 

OF  his  own  infinite  grace,  God  formed  a 
perfectly  holy  manhood  to  his  eternal  Son,  and  in  it 
a  seed  of  holiness  to  millions  unnumbered  of  the  hu- 
man race.  In  him  he  re-planted  humanity,  a  choice 
vine,  wholly  a  right  seed,  that  could  never  become  a 
degenerate  plant  of  a  strange  vine ;  he  made  the  root 
holy,  that  so  also  might  be  the  branches.  Thrice 
marvellous  work  !  Sacrifices  and  offerings  God  would 
not,  but  a  body  he  prepared  for  his  Son.  The  branch 
out  of  Jesse's  root  was  formed,  excellent  and  come- 
ly, that  holy  thing  a  sanctifier ;  one  with  the  sancti- 
fied !  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  rested  on,  and  was  given 
him  without  measure. 

God  made  his  Son  in  our  own  nature,  under  the 
law,  the  immutable  standard  of  holiness  in  heart  or 
life.  He  exacted  of  him  the  whole  requirements 
thereof,  as  it  is  a  broken  covenant ;  and  held  him  un- 
der it,  till  by  enduring  its  whole  penalty,  and  fulfill- 
ing its  precepts,  he  had  magnified  it  and  made  it  ho- 
nourable. This  law  was  in  his  heart ;  he  took  de- 
light to  do  thy  will,  O  God !  It  became  him  to  fulfil 
all  righteousness,  and  to  suffer  ere  he  entered  into 


SELECT   REMAINS.  39 

glory.  Thrice  noble  and  efficacious  foundation  of 
true  holiness  in  us!  (1.)  Hereby  the  curse  of  the 
law,  which  is  the  strength  of  sin,  which,  as  with  al- 
mighty force,  consigns  over  the  subjected  transgres- 
sors to  spiritual  death  in  trespasses  and  sins,  to  the 
dominion  of  sin,  as  a  leading  part  of  just  punishment, 
is  removed.  Thus  the  gulph  fixed  between  God 
and  us  is  rendered  passable.  Being  redeemed  from. 
the  curse,  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Christ,  sin 
cannot  have  dominion  over  us  ;  but,  being  made  free 
from  the  law  of  sin  and  death,  we  bring  forth  fruit 
unto  God.  (2.)  Hereby  the  legal  favour  of  God 
was  procured,  his  real  favour  vented,  and  established 
upon  a  legal  footing.  God  being  well  pleased  for 
his  righteousness  sake,  which  magnified  the  law 
and  made  it  honourable,  we  are  reconciled  unto  God 
by  his  death,  that  we  may  be  saved  by  his  life. 
Though  once  we  were  without  God  and  without 
hope,  and  far  off,  we  are  brought  nigh  by  his  blood, 
that  our  enmity  may  be  slain.  God,  who  reconciled 
the  world  to  himself,  must  be  the  Lord  our  God  that 
sanctifieth  us.  Being  our  friend,  our  God  of  peace, 
he  must  rid  us  of  sin,  our  principal  plague,  and  be- 
stow upon  us  holiness,  our  chief  happiness ;  must 
sanctify  us  wholly,  soul,  body,  and  spirit.  Being 
our  reconciled  God  of  peace,  his  wisdom  must  de- 
vise how  to  keep  and  deliver  us  from  temptation ; 
his  power  must  be  perfected  in  our  weakness,  must 
subdue  our  iniquities,  and  work  in  us  to  will  and  to 
do  of  his  good  pleasure  j  his  holiness  must  make  us 
after  its  own  image,  its  own  likeness ;  his  justice  must 
bestow  upon  us  the  spiritual  life  purchased  for  us  by 
Christ  our  surety ;  his  goodness  must  do  us  good, 
make  all  things  in  us  very  good,  and  supply  all  our 
wants ;  his  truth  must  fulfil  every  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promise,  whereby  we  are  made  par* 
takers  of  the  divine  nature,  having  escaped  the  cor- 
ruption that  is  in  the  world  through  lust.     If  this 


40  SELECT    REMAINS* 

reconciled  God  of  peace  be  our  father,  we  must  be 
begotten  again  into  a  conformity  with  him,  and  be 
made  to  perfect  holiness  in  his  fear.     If  he  is  our 
husband,  he  must  adorn  us  for  the  eternal  feast.     If 
he  is  our  portion,  he  must  fill  all  things.    If  he  is  our 
master,  he  must  command  us  of  his  household  to 
walk  in  the  way  of  the  Lord,  he  must  provide  for 
and  rule  well  his  family.     If  he  is  our  physician,  he 
must  heal  our  diseases,  see  our  froward  ways,  and 
heal  them.     (3.)  Hereby  enough  of  communicable 
grace  was  purchased;  redemption  from  all  iniquity; 
zeal  of  good  works ;  redemption  from  a  vain  conver- 
sation;  cleansing  till  one  become  without  spot  or 
wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing;  possession  of  life,  and 
t\at  more  abundantly ;  sanctification  of  the  people, 
(4.)    Hereby  the  broken  law  which  gendereth  to 
bondage,  the  galling  yoke,  which  neither  we  nor  our 
fathers  could  bear,  is  deprived  of  all  its  wrathful 
sanction ;  and  nothing  is  left  for  those  under  the  law 
to  Christ,  but  kind  chastisements  for  their  profit,  to 
make  them  partakers  of  God's  holiness.     It  is  trans- 
formed into  a  perfect  law  of  liberty,  obedience  to 
which  founds  no  proper  title  to  eternal  happiness. 
It  saith  not,  The  man  that  doth  these  things  shall  live 
in  them  ;  but,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of 
your  enemies,  serve  God  in  holiness  and  righteous- 
ness before  him  all  the  days  of  your  life.     Having 
these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  cleanse  yourselves 
from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit.     Having  these 
hopes  of  the  heavenly  kingdom,  as  heirs  of  God  and 
joint  heirs  with  Christ,  purify  yourselves  as  God  is 
pare.     Since  he  is  the  Lord  your  God,  have  no  other 
gods  before  him,  &c.     Walk  in  love,  as  Christ  hath 
loved  you.     Be  perfect,  as  your  Father  who  is  in 
heaven  is  perfect.     In  this  new  form  it  doth  not  re- 
vive sin,  nor  is  the  strength  of  it;  but  inlaid  in  the 
promise,  and  impressed  on  the  heart,  it  enstamps 
nolines  on  the  soul,  and  creates  purity  and  truth  in 


SELECT    REMAINS.  41 

the  inward  part.  (5.)  In  Jesus's  fulfilment  of  the 
law  is  exhibited  the  most  suitable,  the  most  per- 
fect and  engaging  pattern  of  universal  holiness.  He 
therein  left  us  an  example,  that  we  should  walk  in 
his  steps ;  that  we  might  learn  of  him  and  follow 
him.  How  honourable  this !  Being  in  the  form  of 
God,  he  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
was  obedient  unto  death.  How  perfect !  He  did  al- 
ways the  things  that  pleased  his  Father.  How  suit- 
able !  He  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are, 
yet  without  sin.  How  engaging !  We  love  him  be- 
cause he  first  loved  us.  We  walk  in  love,  as  Christ 
hath  loved  us,  and  given  himself  for  us.  It  is  at 
once  the  pattern  of  our  brother,  our  husband,  our 
Saviour,  and  our  God.  (6.)  In  his  fulfilment  of  the 
law,  the  motives  of  holiness  are  rendered  infinitely 
numerous,  plain,  and  determining.  The  inexpressi- 
ble importance  of  holiness  is  marked  in  the  service, 
the  death  of  God.  The  purity  and  authority  of  the 
moral  law  is  manifested  in  his  magnifying  and  mak- 
ing it  honourable.  In  his  being  made  sin  for  us,  the 
horrid  nature  of  sin,  as  the  murder  of  a  God  of  infi- 
nite grace — the  murder  of  a  God  in  our  nature- 
is  displayed,  more  than  is  done  in  either,  law,  hell, 
or  human  heart.  How  constraining  to  gratitude  is 
the  giving,  the  dying  love  of  God !  In  it  we  have 
strength  and  reward  secured.  We  shall  be  strength- 
ened in  the  Lord,  and  walk  up  and  down  in  his  name. 
Our  labour  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

The  foundation  of  holiness  thus  laid,  all  the  infi- 
nite stores  of  purchased  grace  were  lodged  in  Christ, 
that  they  might  be  near,  and  sure,  and  sweet  to  pol- 
luted men.  He  received  gifts  for  men.  In  him  it 
pleased  the  Father  that  all  fulness  should  dwell ;  that 
so,  holding  the  head,  the  whole  members  might  grow 
up  with  the  increase  of  God.  He  is  full  of  grace 
and  truth,  that  out  of  his  fulness  we  may  receive 


42  SELECT    REMAINS. 

grace  for  grace ;  and  that  God  may  supply  all  out 
wants  out  of  his  riches ;  and  wash  off  all  our  stains 
in  him,  who  is  the  fountain  opened — the  fountain  of 
gardens — well  of  living  waters — and  streams  from 
Lebanon.  Faithful  to  God  that  appointed  him,  he 
must  bestow  these  gifts,  this  grace,  upon  men ;  him- 
self, and  his  holy  angels  have  no  use  for  it. 

In  respect  of  mediatorial  person,  office,  and  rela- 
tion, Christ  is  so  fashioned,  that  there  can  be  no  spi- 
ritual connexion  with  him  which  is  not  of  a  sanctify- 
ing nature.  If  he  is  a  Redeemer,  it  is  from  all  ini- 
quity. If  he  comes  to  us,  it  is  to  turn  away  ungod- 
liness. If  he  is  a  Saviour,  it  is  from  sins ;  he  is  ma- 
nifested to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil.  If  he  is 
a  prophet,  it  is  to  teach  to  profit ;  to  teach  to  deny 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  world.  If  he 
is  a  sacrifice,  it  is  to  purge  our  conscience  from  dead 
works  to  serve  the  living  God ;  it  is  to  finish  trans- 
gressions and  make  an  end  of  sin,  and  sanctify  the 
people.  If  he  is  an  advocate,  it  is  to  plead  their 
sanctification,  and  to  send  down  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
cause  us  to  walk  in  his  statutes,  and  keep  his  judge- 
ments. If  he  is  a  king,  it  is  to  command  deliveran- 
ces for  Jacob ;  slay  our  enmity,  and  subdue  our  ini- 
quity ;  and  make  his  grace  sufficient  for  us,  and  his 
strength  perfect  in  our  weakness.  If  he  is  our  Fa- 
ther, it  is  to  bepret  us  again  to  a  lively  and  purifying 
hope,  and  to  make  his  daughter  all  glorious  within. 
If  he  is  an  head,  it  is  to  make  us  grow  with  the  in- 
crease of  God — to  make  us  grow  in  grace.  If  he  is 
an  husband,  he  makes  perfect  through  his  comeli- 
ness put  upon  us.  II*  he  is  a  shepherd,  he  must  lead 
in  paths  of  righteousness.  If  he  is  a  leader,  he  must 
guide  in  a  path  that  is  right.  If  he  is  a  way,  it  is  a 
way  of  holiness.  If  he  is  a  captain,  we  must  be 
strong  in  the  Lord  to  wrestle  with  spiritual  wicked- 


SELECT    REMAINS.  43 

ness,  and  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts  that  war  against 
the  soul :  They  that  are  his  soldiers  are  new  crea- 
tures, who  have  crucified  the  flesh  with  its  affections 
and  lusts.  If  he  is  God's  unspeakable  gift,  he  must 
make  room  for  God  in  our  soul.  If  he  is  heard,  we 
are  made  clean  through  his  word,  sanctified  through 
his  truth.  If  he  is  beheld,  beholding  as  in  a  glass 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  we  are  changed  into  the  same 
image,  from  glory  to  glory,  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord.  If  he  is  touched,  healing  virtue  proceeds 
from  him. 

In  the  manifestation  of  Christ  in  the  gospel,  God 
carries  the  external  means  of  sanctification  to  the 
highest.  An  attention  to  the  facts  and  mysteries 
relative  to  him  discovers  the  law,  the  covenants,  the 
nature  of  God,  the  evil  and  danger  of  sin,  the  beauty, 
necessity,  and  usefulness  of  holiness  to  the  highest ; 
and,  in  fine,  exhibits  the  strongest  motives  and  most 
excellent  means  of  holiness. 

By  the  introduction  of  Christ  into  our  heart,  and 
his  continued  inhabitation  and  agency  therein,  our 
sanctification  is  begun,  increased,  and  perfected.  By 
his  entrance  into  our  understanding  as  the  light  of 
life,  sinful  blindness  and  ignorance  are  expelled,  and 
we  are  made  light  in  the  Lord,  have  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  understanding  in  the  knowledge  of  him. 
By  his  application  of  himself  to  our  conscience,  as 
Jehovah  our  righteousness,  it  is  made  good — is 
purged  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God, 
and  disposed  to  promote  the  end  of  the  command- 
ment, and  to  avoid  offence  towards  God  and  towards 
men.  By  his  entrance  into  our  will  and  affections, 
as  the  infinitely  amiable  and  gracious  gift  of  God,  he 
opens  our  soul  for  God,  and  draws  out  our  heart  to- 
wards him  ; — inflames  our  soul  with  love,  which  is 
the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 


44  SELECT   REMAINS. 

In  these  respects  let  him  be  made  of  God  sanctifi- 
cation  to  me.  Detested  be  all  the  schemes  of  dig- 
ging holiness  out  of  myself.  Let  others,  with  the 
horrors  of  damnation  attending  every  false  step,  or 
joys  of  heaven  earned  in  the  servile  mode,  promote 
their  outside,  their  bastard  piety ;  let  my  life  of  ho- 
liness be  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God !  Thus,  my 
soul,  exercise  thyself  unto  godliness,  that  in  grace, 
as  well  as  in  glory,  Christ  may  be  All  and  in  All. 


TRACT  II. 

A  Contrast  of  the  Purchase  and  Application  of 
Redemption, 

REDEMPTION,  thou  eternal  excellency, 
thou  joy  of  many  generations — return,  return,  that  I 
may  look  upon  thee !  How  my  heart  is  amazed,  is 
ravished,  with  the  view  of  what  my  adored  Jesus 
hath  done  for«me  in  the  purchase  of  redemption,  and 
doth  to  me  in  the  everlasting  application  of  it  to  my 
soul.  There,  in  the  purchase,  Jehovah  found  him 
out,  and  laid  my  help  upon  him  who  is  mighty: 
Here,  in  the  application,  he  is  found  of  me  that 
sought  him  not.  There,  he  struck  out  my  name 
from  my  debt-bond,  the  broken  covenant — sad  char- 
ter to  infinite  woe !  and  inserts  his  own :  Here,  he 
makes  with  me  an  everlasting  covenant,  even  the  sure 
mercies  of  David.  There,  he  made  himself  heir  to 
my  deserved  threatenings  of  his  Father's  indigna- 
tion: Here,  he  bequeaths,  he  gives  to  me  his  ex- 
ceeding great  and  precious  promises  of  eternal  life. 
There,  to  be  firmly  connected  with  my  guilt,  my 
woe,  he  was  made  a  priest  with  an  oath :  Here,  that 


SELECT   REMAINS,  45 

I  might  have  strong  consolation,  he  swears  that  he 
hath  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked,  and  that 
surely  blessing  he  will  bless  me. 

There,  in  the  purchase  of  redemption,  he,  who 
was  in  the  form  of  God,  and  thought  it  no  robbery 
to  be  equal  with  God,  emptied  himself  of  his  glory : 
Here,  in  the  application  of  it,  he  confers  upon  me  an 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  The  Lord 
is  my  everlasting  light,  and  my  God  my  glory. 
There,  he  was  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  a  Son  of 
man :  Here,  he  makes  me  a  son  an  heir  of  God,  and 
joint  heir  with  Christ.  There,  he  was  sent  forth  in  the 
likeness  of  sinful  flesh:  Here,  he  makes  meapartaker 
of  the  divine  nature,  and  changes  me  into  the  divine 
image  from  glory  to  glory.  There,  he  became  a 
worm  and  no  man :  Here,  he  renders  me  equal  to 
the  angels  of  God  in  heaven.  There,  he  the  son  of 
the  father's  love,  was  an  out-cast,  an  exile :  Here,  I, 
a  hateful,  distant  foe,  am,  through  his  blood,  brought 
near  unto  God,  even  to  his  seat.  There,  he  bare  our 
infirmities,  was  weary  and  weak  hearted :  Here,  he 
hath  a  fellow-feeling  of  our  infirmities,  is  afflicted  in 
all  our  afflictions,  and  perfects  his  -strength  in  my 
weakness.  There,  he  made  himself  of  no  reputation, 
was  a  reproach  of  men,  and  despised  of  the  peopie : 
Here,  he  gives  me  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord  doth  name :  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord ;  the 
holy  one ;  sought  out,  and  not  forsaken.  There,  he 
took  upon  him  the  yoke  of  the  broken  law  ;  the  yoke 
of  my  transgressions  was  wreathed  about  his  neck ; 
Here,  he  brings  me  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
sons  of  God ;  puts  on  me  his  yoke,  which  is  easy, 
and  his  burden,  which  is  light.  There,  he  bore  the 
sins  of  many,  he  was  made  sin  for  us :  Here,  he 
makes  me  righteous,  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
him.  There,  he  was  condemned,  was  made  a  curse 
for  us :  Here,  he  is  a  prince  and  Saviour,  exalted  to 
E 


46  SELECT    REMAINS, 

give  repentance  and  remission  of  sins ;  sent  to  bless 
me  in  turning  me  from  mine  iniquities ;  set  up  to  be 
blessings  for  evermore.  There  he  was  joined  with 
thieves  ;  was  numbered  with  transgressors :  Here,  he 
puts  me  among  the  children;  joins  me  with  thrones 
and  dominions.  And  truly  my  fellowship  is  with 
the  Father  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

There,  in  the  purchase  of  my  redemption,  he  was 
oppressed  with  ignominious  poverty ;  had  not  where 
to  lay  his  head:  Here,  in  the  application  of  it, 
through  his  poverty  I  become  rich  ;  he  gives  me  his 
unsearchable  riches,  the  goodly  heritage  of  the  hosts 
of  nations;  fills  me  with  all  the  fulness  of  God; 
gives  me  the  most  high  for  my  habitation,  my  dwell- 
ing place  in  all  generations.  There,  for  hunger  and 
thirst  his  soul  fainted  in  him :  Here,  he  satiates  my 
soul  with  goodness;  gives  me  his  flesh,  which  is 
meat  indeed,  and  his  blood  which  is  drink  indeed: 
gives  me  bread  of  life,  living  water,  an  overflowing 
cup  of  salvation.  There  he  hid  not  his  face  from 
shame  and  spitting;  had  his  visage  more  marred 
than  any  man,  and  his  form  more  than  the  sons  of 
men:  Here,  he  makes  me  lift  up  my  face  without 
spot  unto  God  ;  makes  me  shine  as  the  sun  in  the 
kingdom  of  my  Father.  There,  he  was  divinely  de- 
serted ;  his  Father  forsook  him,  and  was  far  from 
the  words  of  his  roaring  :  Here,  he  lilts  on  me  the 
light  of  Jehovah's  countenance,  and  shall  make  me 
like  him,  by  seeing  him  as  he  is  ;  for  so  shall  I  be 
for  ever  with  the  Lord.  There,  he  gave  his  back 
to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks  to  them  that  plucked 
off  the  hair;  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions, 
and  bruised  for  our  iniquities:  Here,  he  is  the 
Lord,  my  God,  that  healeth  me  ;  that  heakth  all 
my  diseases,  and  bindeth  up  my  painful  wounds  ; 
and  by  his  stripes  am  I  healed.  There,  from  the 
cross,  he  would  not  come  down  and  save  himself : 


SELECT    REMAINS.  47 

Here,  from  the  throne,  he  comes  down  to  love  me 
from  the  pit  of  corruption,  draw  me  out  of  many  wa- 
ters, turn  me  from  ungodliness,  and  save  me  from 
the  lowest  hell.  There,  he  wore  a  crown  of  thorns : 
Here,  he  gives  me  a  crown  of  life ;  makes  me  a  royal 
dia-lem  in  the  hand  of  my  God.  There,  he  drank  for 
me  the  baleful  cup  of  infinite  wrath :  Here,  he  gives 
me  the  fountain  of  life,  rivers  of  pleasure,  wine  and 
milk,  without  money  and  without  price;  and  makes 
me  drink  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation.  There, 
he  was  amazed  and  very  heavy,  exceeding  sorrow- 
ful, even  unto  death  :  Here,  he  makes  me  obtain  joy 
an.i  gladness,  go  to  God  mine  exceeding  joy,  and  en- 
ter into  the  joy  of  my  Lord.  There,  he  poured  out 
his  soul  unto  death ;  travailed  in  pain  till  he  knew 
not  what  to  say :  Here,  he  is  formed  in  my  heart  the 
hope  of  glory  ;  sees  in  me  the  travail  of  his  soul,  and 
is  satisfied.  There,  he  shed  his  blood  for  me :  Herey 
he  loves  me,  and  washes  me  from  my  sins  in  his 
blood,  and  makes  me  a  king  and  priest  unto  God, 
even  the  Father.  There,  he  died  for  the  ungodly ; 
Here,  he  hath  quickened  me,  who  was  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins ;  because  he  lives,  I  shall  live  also ;  my 
life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God ;  and  when  he  appears 
I  shall  appear  with  him  in  glory.  There,  he  was  bu- 
ried, descended  unto  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth: 
Here,  raised  up  and  alive  for  evermore,  he  raiseth 
me  up  together,  and  makes  me  sit  together  with  him 
in  heavenly  places.  What  melting  views  are  these ! 
How  my  heart  heaves  with  joy,  flames  with  love ! — 
would  burst  in  praise,  if  wonder  would  allow ! 

A.  B. 


48  SELECT    REMAINS. 

TRACT  III. 

Rejections  of  a  Soul  shut  up  to  the  Faith. 

Look  back,  my  soul,  to  the  rock  from  whence 
thou  wast  hewn.  Ponder  the  manner  in  which  Jeho- 
vah loved  and  brought  thee  from  the  pit  of  corrup- 
tion. How  the  fiery  law,  with  its  dread  mandates  all 
pointed  against  my  crimes,  and  its  tremendous  penali- 
ty turned  every  way,  to  stop  my  escape  from  the  gra- 
ciously inviting  God  of  infinite  mercy ! — To  what 
numerous,  to  what  wretched  shifts  I  betook  myself 
to  shun  the  Redeemer !  By  a  Christian  education, 
God  had  shut  me  up  from  the  more  horrid  abomi- 
nations, cursing,  swearing,  lewdness,  intemperance, 
and  neglect  of  the  forms  of  religion.  But,  ah !  with 
what  earnestness  I  indulged  myself  in  sins  not  less* 
sriminal,  though  less  open  and  infamous ! — When 
his  dread  law  convinced  my  conscience,  that  my  se- 
cret faults  were  set  in  the  light  of  his  countenance  ; 
and  that  what  is  esteemed  in  the  sight  of  men  is  an  a* 
foomination  to  the  Lord  ;  how  eagerly  I  turned  aside 
to  seek  righteousness,  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the 
law  !  When  conscience  upbraided  me  for  neglect  of 
former  duties,  particularly  of  acts  of  worship,  how 
often  have  I  redoubled,  or  even  tripled  the  ordinary 
tale,  in  order  to  pay  off  my  old  debts !  How  foolishly 
lny  heart  cried,  Have  patience  with  me,  and  I  will 
pay  thee  all !  Still  my  conscience,  like  the  daughter 
of  the  horse-leech,  cried,  Give,  give.  The  Lord, 
thundered  into  my  soul,  4  As  many  as  are  of  the 
4  works  of  the  law  are  under  the  curse  ;  for  it  is  writ- 
'  ten,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all 
4  things  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. — > 
4  Cursed  is  he  that  trusteth  in  man,  that  maketh 
*  flesh  his  arm,  whose  heart  departeth  from  the  liv- 


SELECT    REMAINS*  49 

ing  God.' — While  I,  for  many  days  compassed  Sinai, 
going  about  to  establish  my  own  righteousness,  toge- 
ther with,  or  more  truly  in  opposition  to,  the  righ- 
teousness of  Christ,  the  thunder  waxed  louder  and 
louder.  How  then  was  my  moisture  turned  into  the 
drought  of  summer,  and  I  was  wearied  in  the  great- 
ness of  my  way !  How  plainly  I  perceived  all  my  at- 
tempts towards  virtue,  to  be  the  mire  and  dirt,  cast 
up  from  a  troubled  sea  of  inward  rage  and  enmity  a- 
gainst  God — against  the  Redeemer !  How  I  trembled 
to  feel  myself  reserved  in  chains  of  guilt,  condemna- 
tion, and  sinful  pollution,  to  the  judgement  of  the 
great  day !  How  oft  my  agonized  soul  sobbed  forth, 
*  My  bones  are  dried;  my  hope  is  lost;  and  I  am 
cut  off  for  my  part.' — Not  all  the  flames  of  Sinai 
could  melt  my  heart.  I  hardened  myself  in  sorrow, 
and  became  more  obstinate  in  inward  rebellion 
against  the  Lord.  I  went  on  frowardly  in  the  way  of 
my  heart.    I  loved  idols,  and  after  them  I  would  go. 

But,  thanks  be  to  God,  that  stopt  my  career! 
.while  I  rolled  and  raged  in  my  blood,  without  any 
eye  to  pity  me,  he  passed  by  me,  and  looked  upon  me, 
and  said  unto  me,  when  I  was  in  my  blood,  my  devil- 
ish rage  against  the  Redeemer,  live!  And  behold, 
my  time  was  the  time  of  love !  the  day  of  power !  the 
day  of  espousals  indeed! — Determined  to  make  an 
uncommon  stretch  of  almighty  grace,  he  hedged  me 
in.  Before,  behind,  and  on  every  side,  I  heard,  I  saw, 

I  felt,  not  cherubims  with  flaming  swords,  but  calls 

but  cords — of  everlasting  love.  Before  me  I  saw,  I 
heard  God  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  to  him- 
self, saying  to  my  heart,  1 1  am  the  Lord  thy  God.' 
To  silence  every  doubt,  he  sware  unto  me, 4  Hear,  O 
my  people,  and  I  will  speak ;  I  will  testify  against 
thee.  I  am  God,  even  thy  God' — as  really,  as  fully 
,thine  as  I  am  God! — Behind  I  heard  his  voice, 
'  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me.'  I  saw 
E  2 


50  SELECT    REMAINS, 

myself  thus  charged,  with  all  the  authority  of  hea- 
ven, to  take  God,  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  in 
Christ,  to  be  my  God,  and  my  all ;  and  that  neither 
blasphemy,  nor  murder,  nor  any  thing  horrid,  could 
be  more  aggravated  rebellion  against  him,  than  my 
not  believing  that  he  was  my  God;  and  that  all  con- 
ception, all  worship  of  him,  under  any  other  view, 
than  as  my  God,  was  but  the  placing  an  idol  in  his 
room !— .How  my  heart  was  astonished  to  find,  that 
the  first  and  great  commandments  so  charged  me, 
the  chief  of  sinners,  a  very  prince  of  devils,  to  pos- 
sess what  the  Lord  God  givech  me — to  possess  the 
infinite  all,  as  in  Christ,  my  own. — When,  in  humili- 
ty, produced  from  hell,  I  pled,  that  I  was  not  worthy 
of  him — that  I  could  not  believe— could  not  receive 
him — could  not  obey  his  sweet  command— he  took 
me  by  the  arms,  by  the  heart  on  every  side,  and  said, 
4 1  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  shall  be  to  me  a 
*  people. — I  will  say,  It  is  my  people  j  and  they  shall 
c  say,  The  Lord  is  my  God. 

Thus  encompassed  on  every  side,  tell  mc,  ye  sons 
of  men,  ye  powers  of  darkness,  what  was  I  that  I 
could  withstand  Godj  Had  all  the  enmity  in  hell 
been  concentred  in  my  heart,  how  could  it  have 
withstood  such  omnipotence  of  love !  how  could  I 
have  escaped  out  of  God's  hands !  how  could  I  have 
trodden  on  the  exceedingly  great  and  precious  pro- 
mise and  oath  of  God,  confirmed  with  his  blood ! 
how  could  I  have  trampled  on  the  great,  the  kind 
commandment  of  infinite  love!  how  could  I  have 
torn  the  bowels  of  an  apprehending  Saviour,  a  be- 
seeching God !  how  could  I  have  broke  the  arms  of 
almighty  grace,  which  grasped  me  hard!  how  could 
my  heart,  my  soul,  forbear  to  cry  out,  Ameny  so  be  it. 
Lord-— to  say  of  the  Lord, 4  He  is  my  refuge  and  my 
'  fortress  j  my  Gad,  in  whom  I  will  trust — my  Lord 


SELECT    REMAINS.  51 

4  and  my  God — Lord,  I  believe,  help  thou  mine  un- 
•  belief!' 

But  will  God  indeed  be  mine,  wholly  mine !  for 
ever  mine !  Is  the  giving  word,  the  oath,  gone  out  of 
his  mouth,  and  sealed  with  his  blood ;  Cursed  then  be 
every  disposition,  every  thought  of  my  soul,  that  dis- 
sents. Let  the  mouth  of  these  liars  be  stopped— 
Lord,  persecute  and  destroy,  from  under  these  hea- 
vens, this  evil  heart  of  unbelief;  thy  curse  unto  it.— 
But  what  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord  for  his  infinite 
gift  of  himself 'to  mil — Such  as  I  am,  Lord,  I  give 
myself  to  thee  as  my  God.  Myself  as  naked,  as  guil- 
ty, I  give  to  thee,  as  my  God,  my  righteousness — my 
God,  that  covereth  with  robes  of  righteousness  and 
garments  of  salvation — my  God,  that  justifieth  the 
ungodly  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus — my  God,  unmatched  in  for- 
giving iniquity,  transgression  and  sin. — Myself,  as 
foolish  and  ignorant,  I  give  to  thee,  as  my  God,  my 
Redeemer,  that  teacheth  to  profit — my  God,  who 
hath  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and  openeth  the 
eyes  of  the  blind,  and  maketh  the  heart  of  the  rash 
to  understand  knowledge — to  my  Christ,  as  made  of 
God  to  me  wisdom. — Myself,  as  polluted,  I  give  to 
thee,  my  God,  that  saveth  from  all  uncleanness — to 
thee,  my  Redeemer,  who  art  come  to  Zion  to  turn 
*way  ungodliness  from  Jacob — who  art  a  fountain 
opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness — who  art  made  of 
God  to  mc  sanctification. — Myself,  as  rebellious,  I 
give  to  thee,  my  God  of  peace,  who  slays  the  enmity 
by  the  blood  of  hu  Son,  and  to  thee,  6  Jesus,  who 
hath  received  gifts  to*  men ;  yea  for  the  rebellious, 
that  God  the  Lord  may  avell  among  them,  and  daily 
load  them  with  his  benefits.-^Myself,  as  weak,  in- 
sufficient  to  think  any  thing,  to  4o  any  thing,  spiri- 
tually good,  I  give  to  thee,  my  God,nho  giveth pow- 
er to  the  faint,  and  increased*  strength  tg  them  that 


52  SELECT    REMAINS. 

have  no  might — to  thee,  the  worker  in  and  for  me 
of  thy  good  pleasure. — Myself,  as  poor  and  wretch* 
ed,  as  poverty  and  emptiness,  itself,  I  give  to  thee, 
my  God,  my  ally  and  in  all — My  God,  who  accounts 
it  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive,  that  thou 
ma)  est  supply  all  my  wants  out  of  thy  riches  in  glory 
by  Christ  Jesus. 


TRACT  IV. 

Refections  of  a  Christiaiiy  upon  his  Spiritual  Eleva- 
tions and  Dejections. 

My  life  is  indeed  hid  with  Christ  in  God.  My 
new  covenant  state  is  as  mount  Zion,  which  can  nev- 
er be  moved.  But  ah !  the  instability  of  my  spiri- 
tual condition !  How  often  God  hath  lifted  me  up 
and  cast  me  down  again ! 

Sometimes  he  hath  lifted  me  up,  in  allowing  me 
sweetly  distinct  views  of  divine  truth,  and  of  Jesus 
his  Father  therein. — In  his  light,  I  saw  light,  and 
walked,  read,  heard,  and  meditated,  in  the  light  of 
his  countenance!  O  my  pleasant  insight  w*"  tne 
mystery  of  divine  persons,  and  of  divine  perfections, 
as  manifested  in  Christ!— -into  the  mystery  of  re- 
demption, in  its  rise,  means,  ma«er>  and  end ! — and 
into  my  duty,  with  relation  thereto,  even  in  intricate 
circumstances! — Anon  h*  casts  me  down  into  deep 
and  darksome  caves.  -^h  then,  my  ignorant,  carnal, 
and  misshapen  app^hensions  of  divine  things !  A- 
midst  the  best  *ieans  of  instruction,  all  were  like  a 
sealed  book  &  my  soul.    I  groped  as  a  blind  man  at 


SELECT   REMAINS.  £3 

noon  day,  neither  understanding  what  was  exhibited, 
nor  whence  I  had  come,  nor  whither  I  should  go. 

Sometimes  God,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  afforded 
me  the  most  convincing  assurance  that  he  was  my 
Saviour,  my  husband,  my  father,  my  friend,  my  phy- 
sician, my  God,  and  my  all  and  in  all!  and  enabled 
me  to  claim  him  in  every  character,  in  every  promise, 
without  the  least  hesitation. — Anon  he  permitted  me 
to  fall  into  such  darkness  and  doubts,  that  I  could  be 
persuaded  of  scarce  any  thing  inspired.  I  doubted 
of,  I  disputed  against,  all  his  saving  relations  to  me, 
all  his  promises  of  kindness  to  me.  Even  when  he 
testified  against  me  that  he  was  God,  even  my  God5 
I  pleaded  he  was  a  liar. — >Ah  shocking!  resisted,  re- 
belled against,  and  vexed  his  holy  Spirit ! 

Sometimes  God  hath  lifted  me  up  to  a  sweet  se* 
renity  of  soul.  Like  one  beloved  of  the  Lord,  I  dwelt 
in  safety.  No  angry  challenge  from  heaven,  or  from 
my  conscience,  disturbed  my  repose.  Even  amidst 
troubles,  or  in  the  views  thereof,  I  rested  in  the 
Lord,  and  quietly  waited  for  his  salvation. — Anon 
he  cast  me  into  deep  waters,  where  there  was  no 
standing.  All  his  waves  and  billows  went  over  me. 
Ah!  how  tossed  with  tempest,  and  not  comforted! 
While  heaven  deserted  and  frowned,  while  the  ar- 
rows of  the  Almighty  stuck  fast  in  me,  and  the  poi- 
son thereof  drunk  up  my  spirit,  Satan  trod  me  under 
his  feet,  sheathed  in  me  thousands  of  his  fiery  darts : 
my  raging  corruptions  wrought  and  were  tempes- 
tuous :  the  world  hated,  reproached,  and  persecuted 
me !  Scarce  ought  remained,  but  a  fearful  looking  for 
of  fiery  indignation. 

Sometimes  God  hath  lifted  me  up,  in  so  plentifully 
shedding  abroad  his  love  in  my  heart,  and  so  power- 
Hilly  arresting  my  thoughts  on  divine  things,  that 


54  select  Remains. 

not  all  the  temptations  of  Satan,  or  solicitations  of 
this  world,  could  draw  it  aside.  My  heart  so  burn- 
ed with  love  to  him,  that  it  could  desire  nothing, 
care  for  nothing,  and  converse  with  nothing,  but 
himself.— Anon  it  became  so  loose,  so  unfixed,  that 
I  could  not  for  my  soul  confine  it  a  moment  to  a  spi- 
ritual object  in  a  spiritual  manner  j  but  whole  armies 
of  idle,  ignorant,  legal,  unbelieving,  blasphemous, 
proud,  covetous,  malicious,  or  wanton  thoughts, 
crowded  into  my  mind. 

Sometimes  God,  in  lifting  me  up,  hath  inflamed 
my  heart  with  the  most  ardent  desire  after  himself. 
How  my  soul  longed,  thirsted,  hungered,  and  panted 
for  the  Lord !  How  she  cried  and  followed  hard  af- 
ter him !  Nothing  could  divert,  nothing  could  check, 
my  ardour  in  pursuit  of  himself;  and  when  I  found 
him  I  held  him  as  with  a  death  grasp,  and  would  not 
let  him  go.  With  what  brokenness,  what  eagerness 
of  heart,  I  wept,  and  made  supplication  to  him !  A- 
non,  by  casting  down,  I  could  neither  breathe  after, 
nor  pray  for  his  visits.  I  neither  knew  nor  cared, 
whether  I  found  him  or  not. — Nay,  rationally  sensi- 
ble that  my  beloved  had  withdrawn  himself,  and  was 
gone,  a  stupid  unconcern  overpowered  my  heart:  I 
was  almost  content  to  have  his  room  filled  with  sinful 
pleasures,  and  earthly  enjoyments* 

Sometimes  God  hath  so  lifted  me  up,  enabling  me 
to  live  on  Christ  himself,  above  dependance  on  sensi- 
ble frames,  that  I  rested  on,  and  gloried  in,  his  per- 
son, office,  love,  righteousness,  intercession,  power, 
and  faithfulness,  as  the  infallible  security  of  my  for- 
giveness, acceptance,  sanctification,  comfort,  and  e- 
ternal  felicity,  notwithstanding  much  felt  guilt,  temp- 
tation, and  trouble. — Anon  I  have  been  so  cast  down, 
that  my  spiritual  courage  and  hope  altered,  as  my 
inward  frames  did. 


SELECT   REMAINS.  55 

Sometimes  I  have  been  so  lifted  up,  that  I  could 
with  pleasure  distinctly  review  my  former  noted  en- 
joyments of  Christ ;  how,  when  and  where,  he  ap- 
peared to  my  soul,  loosed  my  bands,  forgave  my 
sins,  quickened  and  feasted  my  soul. — Anon  I  have 
been  so  cast  down,  that  I  lost  the  impression  of  for- 
mer experiences ;  could  scarce  discern  whether  they 
were  from  heaven,  or  of  men  ;  from  heaven,  or  from 
hell:  and,  alas,  strangely  careless  what  was  their  na- 
ture, source  or  tendency!  Ah!  how  the  promises, 
the  words  of  grace,  in  which  I  had  formerly  tasted 
that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  became  as  idle  tales,  as  a 
well  without  water,  and  as  flinty  rocks ! 

Sometimes  the  zeal  of  his  house,  inflamed  by  the 
applications  of  redeeming  love,  and  directed  by  his 
word  and  Spirit,  hath  eaten  me  up :  I  counted  no- 
thing, no  not  life  itself,  dear  unto  me,  if  I  might  have 
Jesus  exalted,  his  truths  believed  and  maintained, 
and  his  people  increased  in  the  earth.  Anon  I  have 
fallen  under  the  power  of  so  much  selfishness,  that, 
If  I  could  get  my  own  interest  secured,  I  scarce  re- 
garded the  glory  or  the  publick  honours  of  Christ.    } 

Sometimes  God  hath  filled  my  mouth  with  his 
praise  and  honour  all  the  day.  I  could  not  refrain 
from  praise.  I  could  not  forbear  commending  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth.  I  could  not  but,  in  a  manner 
suited  to  my  station,  invite  others  to  come*  taste,  and 
see,  that  God  is  good}  could  not  but  call  such  as  ft  ar- 

ed  God  to  hear  what  he  had  done  for  my  soul. 

Anon,  a  dumb  devil  hath  taken  possession  of  my 
heart ;  sinful  bashfulness,  confusion,  and  carelessness, 
have  quite  disqualified  me  for  conference  on  any  spi- 
ritual subject:  nay,  I  felt  a  strong  inclination  to  deal 
in  trifles  and  calumny. 

Sometimes  God  hath  so  feasted  me,  in  his  ordi- 


56  SELECT   REMAINS, 

nances,  that  the  frequent  return  of  sabbaths,  sacra- 
mental occasions,  opportunities  of  family,  social  or 
secret  worship,  was  my  delight.  Often  I  had  him  pre- 
engaged  to  vouchsafe  his  presence,  in  this  and  that 
ordinance  of  his  grace.  Often  the  angel  of  the  cove- 
nant restrained  the  winds  of  temptation  and  floods 
of  corruption,  while  he  sealed  my  soui  to  the  day  of 
redemption.  O,  how  he  brought  me  into  the  ban- 
quetting-house,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love  !— 
How  he  stayed  me  with  flagons,  and  conuorted  me 
with  apples,  while  I  was  sick  of  love ! — Anon  ordi- 
nances became  to  me  as  dry  beasts,  and  a  miscarrying 
womb.  Ah!  their  approach  seemed  a  trifle,  a  bur- 
den, to  my  careless,  carnal  heart !  Neither  before, 
nor  in,  nor  after,  did  I  enjoy  the  visits  of  Christ.  In 
my  attendance,  levity,  legality,  and  unconcern,  car- 
ried all  before  them.  How  oit  the  voice,  the  gesture, 
the  method,  of  the  administrator,  took  that  room  in 
my  heart,  which  pertained  to  Christ! — Often  disap- 
pointed of  the  presence  of  God,  ah !  how  I  sunk  into 
mere  formality,  or  doubts  of  my  duty  to  attend  !— 
and  at  last  how  often  have  I  neglected  worship  alto- 
gether, if  the  hurry  of  the  world  seemed  to  call  me  to 
some  other  business. 

Sometimes  God  hath  carried  me  up  to  mount 
Pisguh,  and  shewn  me  the  celestial  Canaan,  and  my 
irrevocable  title  thereto,  till  my  whole  soul  was  trans- 
ported with  wonder,  with  desire,  and  delight !  How 
I  desired  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is 
far  better!  How  I  groaned  to  be  clothed  upon,  with 
my  house  which  is  from  heaven! — Anon  he  held 
back  the  face  of  his  throne,  and  spread  his  cloud  over 
it.  Heaven  was  forgotten :  my  interest  therein  was 
unseen.  Nay,  how  often  hell  presented  itself  as  the 
heritage  appointed  me  by  God ! 

Are  thy  frames,  my  soul,  so  changeable?  Let  me 


SELECT   REMAINS.  57 

charge  thee  to  have  no  confidence  in  thyself:  but  live 
by  faith  on  the  Son  of  God,  and  his  everlasting  cove- 
nant, which  are  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for 
ever.  Count  all  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the 
knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  thy  Lord :  count  them  but 
dung  to  win  him,  and  to  be  found  in  him,  not  having 
thy  own  righteousness  which  is  of  the  law,  but  the 
righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 


TRACT  V. 

Reflections  of  a  Candidate  for  the  Ministerial 
Office. 

Dost  thou,  my  soul,  desire  the  office  of  a  bishop 
of  souls,  a  minister  of  Christ  ?  Examine  with  deep 
concern  thy  preparation  for,  thy  call  to,  and  thy  end 
in  offering  thyself  to  this  important  work. 

Am  I  a  real  Christian ;  or  am  I  a  devil — a  dis- 
sembler with  God  and  men — an  entertainer  of  sin,  of 
Satan,  in  my  heart?  Am  I  circumcised  with  the  cir- 
cumcision of  Christ,  having  my  corrupt  nature  re- 
newed ;  old  things  passed  away,  and  all  things  be- 
come new  ?  Do  I  worship  God  in  the  spirit ;  read, 
meditate,  pray,  converse,  under  the  influence  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  ?  Do  I  certainly  know  what  Christ  is  to 
me  ?  Do  I  rejoice  in  what  he  is  in  himself,  and  what 
he  •  is  to,  and  hath  done  for  and  in  me  ?  Have  I  no 
confidence  in  the  flesh — in  my  righteousness,  my 
learning,  my  address  ?  Hath  the  Holy  Ghost  emptied 
me  of  self,  in  every  form,  till  he  hath  made  me  poor 
in  spirit,  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints  in  my  own 
sight  ?  Hath  he  with  a  strong  hand  instructed  me,  to 
F 


58  SELECT   REMAINS. 

count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the 
knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  as  my  Lord,  and  to  count 
them  but  dung  to  win  him,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
having  my  own  righteousness,  but  the  righteousness 
which  is  of  God  by  faith  i  Do  I  earnestly  desire  to 
know  him  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the 
fellowship  of  his  sufferings — and  press  towards  the 
mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus? — What  furniture  of  gifts  hath  Christ 
bestowed  on  me  ?  what  aptness  to  teach  ?  what  know- 
ledge of  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  ?  what  skill  to 
instruct  others,  bringing  out  of  my  treasure  things 
new  and  old?  what  ability  to  make  the  deep  things 
of  God  obvious  to  the  weaker  capacities  ?  what  pro- 
per quickness  of  conception?  what  proper  inclination 
to  study,  as  one  devoted  to  matters  of  infinite  conse- 
quence? what  peculiar  fitness  for  the  pulpit,  qualify- 
ing me  to  commend  myself  to  every  man's  con- 
science, preaching  not  in  the  enticing  words  of  man's 
wisdom,  but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  with 
power? — With  what  stock  of  self-experience,  texts, 
and  principles  of  inspiration,  am  I  entering  on  the 
tremendous  office  ?  Of  what  truths,  relative  to  the 
law  of  God  and  its  threatenings ;  relative  to  sin,  to 
Satan,  and  to  divine  desertion ;  hath  my  saddened 
soul  felt  the  power,  tasting  the  wormwood  and  the 
gall? — Of  what  declarations  and  promises  of  grace 
have  I  tasted,  and  seen  that  God  is  good?  What 
cords  of  infinite  love  have  caught  and  held  my  heart  ? 
What  oracles  of  heaven  have  I  found  and  eaten ;  and 
they  have  been  to  me  the  joy  and  the  rejoicing  of  my 
heart?  Of  what  truths,  what  texts,  could  I  now  say, 
4  I  believe,  and  therefore  I  speak.'  4  What  I  have 
*  heard  with  the  Father,  what  I  have  seen  and  heard, 
4  and  tasted,  and  handled  of  the  word  of  life,  that  de- 
4  clare  I  unto  you.' 

Suppose  my  connexions  with  the  great,  my  ad- 


SELECT    REMAINS.  59 

dress  to  the  people,  should  ever  so  easily  procure  a 
license,  a  charge ;  yet,  if  I  run  unsent  of  Christ,  in 
my  whole  ministration  I  must  act  the  part  of  a  thief, 
a  robber,  a  traitor  to  Christ,  and  a  murderer  of  souls, 
not  profiting  them  at  all.  If,  without  his  commission, 
I  enter  the  office,  what  direction,  what  support,  what 
comfort,  what  acceptance,  what  reward,  can  I  expect 
in  and  of  my  work  ?  Say  then,  my  conscience,  as 
thou  shalt  answer  at  the  judgement-seat  of  God,  am  I 
taking  this  honour  to  myself;  or  am  I  called  of  God, 
as  Aaron  was  ?  Is  Christ  sending  me,  and  laying  a 
necessity  upon  me  to  preach  the  gospel  ?  While  he 
determines  me  to  follow  providence,  and  take  no  ir- 
regular step  towards  thrusting  myself  into  the  office, 
is  he  breathing  on  my  soul,  and  causing  me  to  re- 
ceive the  Holy  Ghost?  Is  he  endowing  me  with  deep 
compassion  to  the  souls  of  men ;  and  with  a  deep 
sense  of  my  own  unfitness,  and  earnest  desire  to  be 
sanctified  and  made  meet  for  the  master's  use  ?  In 
the  progress  of  my  education,  am  I  going  bound  in 
the  spirit,  with  the  love  of  Christ  burning  in  my  heart, 
and  constraining  me ;  rendering  me  cheerfully  will- 
ing to  suffer  poverty,  contempt  and  hatred  of  all  men, 
for  Christ's  name's  sake ; — willing,  if  possible,  to 
risk  my  own  salvation  in  winning  others  to  Christ  ? 
What  scriptures  have  directed  and  encouraged  me  to 
this -work  ?  In  what  form  doth  Jesus  seem  to  be  giv- 
ing me  my  commission  ?  Whether  4  to  open  the  eyes 
4  of  the  Gentiles,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness  to 
4  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God; 
4  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  an  in- 
4  heritance  among  them  that  are  sanctified  V  or  to 
4  Go,  make  the  heart  of  this  people  fat,  and  their  ears 
4  heavy,  and  shut  their  eyes  ?'  What  promise  of 
Christ's  presence  with,  and  assistance  in,  my  work, 
have  I  received  from  above  I 

What  is  mine  end  in  my  advances  towards  this 


60  SELECT    REMAINS* 


i 


work  ?  Dare  I  appeal  to  him  that  searcheth  my  heart, 
and  trieth  my  reins — to  him  who  will  quickly  be  my 
*udge — that  I  seek  not  great  things  to  myself;  that 
covet  no  man's  silver,  gold,  or  apparel ;  that  I  seek 
not  theirs,  but  them ;  that  neither  of  men  seek  I  glo- 
ry :  that  I  look  not  on  mine  own  things,  but  on  the 
things  of  Christ ;  that  I  seek  not  mine  own  honour, 
but  the  honour  of  him  that  sends  me  ? 

Have  I  considered  diligently  what  is  before  me ; 
Or  am  I  running  blindfold  on  the  tremendous  charge  ? 
Have  I  considered  the  nature  and  circumstances  of 
the  ministerial  work,  or  that  therein  I  am  to  be  an 
ambassador  for  Christ,  to  beseech  perishing  souls, 
on  the  brink  of  hell,  to  be  reconciled  unto  God  ? — A 
steward  of  the  mysteries  and  manifold  grace  of  God  j 
— that,  at  the  infinite  hazard  of  my  soul,  it  is  requir- 
ed of  me  to  be  faithful; — that  in  my  ministrations  I 
with  all  humility,  and  many  tears,  serve  the  Lord 
with  my  spirit,  in  the  gospel  of  his  son  ; — keep  back 
no  part  of  the  counsel  of  God — no  instruction,  no 
reproof,  no  encouragement ;  that  I  testify  repentance 
towards  God  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ;  not  moved  with  reproach,  persecution,  hun- 
ger, or  nakedness ;  nor  even  count  my  life  dear  unto 
me,  if  so  I  may  finish  my  course  with  joy; — ready 
not  only  to  be  bound,  but  to  die  for  the  name  of  Je- 
sus : — willing  rather  to  be  ruined  with  Christ  than  to 
reign  with  emperors ; — that  I  labour  with  much  fear 
and  trembling,  determined  to  know,  to  glory  in,  and 
to  make  known,  nothing  but  Christ  and  him  cruci- 
fied ; — not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom  as 
a  man-pleaser,  but  with  great  plainness  of  speech,  in 
demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  with  power ; — speak- 
ing the  things  freely  given  to  me  of  God  by  his  Spirit, 
not  in  the  words  which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  in 
the  words  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth,  comparing 
spiritual  things  with  spiritual,  and  having  the  mind 


SELECT    REMAINS.  61 

of  Christ; — always  triumphing  in  Christ,  and  mak- 
ing manifest  the  savour  of  his  knowledge  in  every- 
place ;-being  to  God  a  sweet  savour  of  Christ  in  them 
that  are  saved,  and  in  them  that  perish  ;  as  of  sinceri- 
ty, as  of  God  in  the  sight  of  God,  speaking  in  Christ ; 
through  the  mercy  of  God,  not  fainting,  but  renoun- 
cing the  hidden  things  of  dishonesty  ;  not  walking  in 
craftiness,  nor  handling  the  word  of  God  deceitfully, 
but  by  the  manifestation  of  the  truth  to  every  man's 
conscience  in  the  sight  of  God  ; — not  preaching  my- 
self, but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  and  myself  a  servant 
to  the  church  for  Jesus's  sake ;— alwa\  s  bearing  about 
the  dying  of  the  Lord,  that  his  life  may  be  made  ma- 
nifest in  me. — Knowing  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  and 
his  future  judgement,  I  must  persuade  men,  making 
myself  manifest  to  God  and  to  their  conscience ; — 
constrained  with  the  love  of  Christ,  must  change  my 
voice,  and  turn  myself  every  way,  to  bring  sinners 
to  the  tree  of  life  ; — jealous  over  them  with  a  god- 
ly jealousy,  and  espousing  them  as  chaste  virgins 
to  Christ ; — travailing  in  birth  till  Christ  be  form- 
ed in  them ; — must  take  heed  to  my  ministry  which 

I  have  received  in  the  Lord,  that  I  fulfil  it; 

give  myself  wholly  to  reading,  exhortation,  and  doc- 
trine ; — taking  heed  to  myself  and  doctrine,  that  I 
may  save  myself  and  them  that  hear  me  ; — watching 
for  their  souls  as  one  that  must  give  an  account ; — 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth,  and  giving  every 
man  his  portion  in  due  season ; — faithfully  warning 
every  man  and  teaching  every  man,  and  labouring 
to  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus ; — and 
warring,  not  after  the  flesh,  nor  with  weapons  of  war- 
fare that  are  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God  to  the 
pulling  down  of  strong  holds,  and  casting  down  of 
imaginations,  and  subduing  every  thought  and  affec- 
tion to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Having  Christ  Je- 
sus for  the  end  of  my  conversation,  and  holding  fast 
the  form  of  sound  words  in  faith  and  love,  which  is 
F  2 


62  SELECT    REMAINS. 

in  him. — I  must  go  forth  without  the  camp,  bearing 
his  reproach,  and  feeding  the  flock  of  God,  over 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  me  an  overseer, 
and  which  God  hath  purchased  with  his  own  blood ; 
preaching  to  the  Congregation  sound  doctrine  in 
faith  and  verity  ; — takingthe  oversight  thereof  not  by 
constraint,  but  willingly  ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of 
a  ready  mind ;  neither  as  being  a  lord  over  God's  he- 
ritage, but  as  an  example  to  the  flock — exercised  unto 
godliness ;  holy,  just,  and  unblamable ; — an  example 
to  the  believers  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity, 
in  faith,  in  purity ; — fleeing  youthful  lusts,  and  fol- 
lowing after  righteousness,,  peace,  faith,  charity; 
avoiding  foolish  and  unlearned  questions  ; — not  striv- 
ing, but  being  gentle  to  all  men ; — in  meekness  in- 
structing those  that  oppose  themselves ; fleeing 

from  perverse  disputings  and  worldiy-mindedness  as 
most  dangerous  snares,  and  following  after  righte- 
ousness, godliness,  faith,  love,  patience,  meekness  ; — 
fighting  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and,  laying  hold  on 
eternal  life ; — preaching  the  word  in  season  and  out 
of  season  j  reproving,  rebuking,  exhorting,  with  all 
long-suffering  and  doctrine  ; — keeping  the  trust  of 
gospel  truth  and  office  committed  to  me ;  and  com- 
mitting the  same  to  faithful  men,  who  may  be  able  to 
teach  others.  And,  in  fine,  to  try  false  teachers; 
rebuke,  before  all,  such  as  sin  openly  ;  restore  such 
as  have  been  overtaken  in  a  fault,  in  the  spirit  of 
meekness  ;  andr  having  compassion  on  them,  to  pull 
them  out  of  the  fire,  hating  the  garment  spotted  by 
the  flesh. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  63 


TRACT  VI. 


Reflections  of  one  entered  into  the  Pastoral 
Office. 

Ponder,  my  soul,  with  solemn  awe! — Am  I 
without  that  God,  that  Christ,  a  stranger  to  that  cove- 
nant of  promise,  which  I  preach  to  others  ?  While 
I  commend  Jesus  from  the  pulpit,  am  I  despiser  of 
him  in  my  heart?  While  I,  in  the  name  of  God,  re- 
quire others  to  receive  him  as  the  unspeakable  gift  of 
God,  am  I  rejecting  him  mvself  ?  am  I  daily  occu- 
pied in  preparing  the  delicious  gospel  entertainment 
for  others,  while  I  refuse  to  taste  it  myself?  If  my 
ends  are  selfish,  or  if  I  am  not  hearty  in  my  work, 
how  cfan  God  be  expected  to  bless  my  endeavours  ? 
If  in  heart  I  am  Satan's  servant,  how  can  I  be  true  to 
Christ,  or  earnest  for  his  honour?  If  I  have  not 
drunk  deep  of  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  the  bitterness 
of  sin,  the  vanity  of  this  world,  the  importance  of 
eternity,  and  of  the  conscience-quieting  and  heart- 
captivating  virtue  of  Christ,  how  can  I  be  serious 
and  hearty  in  preaching  the  gospel  ? — If  I  am  not  in- 
fluenced by  a  predominant  love  to  Christ; — If  I  live 
not  to  him ;  if  my  heart  is  not  fixed  upon  eternal 
things  ;  if  it  pant  not  after  fellowship  with  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  and  follow  not  eagerly  holi- 
ness and  peace,  and  prefer  not  the  welfare  of  the 
church  to  my  chiefest  joy  in  this  world ;  how  can  I, 
without  the  most  abominable  treachery  and  dissimu- 
lation, declare  to  men  their  chief  happiness,  and  the 
proper  methods  to  obtain  it  ? 

If  I  am  a  graceless  preacher,  how  terrible  is  my 
condition !  If  I  open  my  bible,  the  sentence  of  my 
double  damnation  flashes  into  my  conscience  from 
every  page.    If  I  compose  my  sermon,  I  but  draw  up 


64  SELECT    REMAINS. 

an  awful  indictment  against  myself.  If  I  argue 
against  men's  sins,  I  but  aggravate  my  own.  If  I 
mention  hell  with  its  insupportable  and  everlasting 
torments,  I  but  enfeoff  myself  therein,  as  the  just 
portion  of  my  cup,  and  my  inheritance  appointed  me 
by  the  almighty.  If  I  speak  of  Jesus  and  his  excel- 
lencies, it  is  but  to  tread  him  under  my  feet.  If  I 
take  his  new  covenant  and  the  fulness,  the  blessings 
therein  contained,  into  my  mouth,  it  is  but  to  profane 
them,  to  cast  them  out  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of 
men.  If  I  commend  Jesus,  and  his  Father,  and 
blessed  Spirit,  is  is  but  to  stab  them  under  the  fifth 
rib,  to  betray  them  with  a  kiss !  While  I  hold  up  the 
glass  of  God's  law,  and  of  his  gospel,  to  others,  I 
turn  its  back  to  myself.  My  gospel  is  hid  to  me 
who  am  lost,  in  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath 
blinded  the  mind  of  me  who  believe  not,  lest  the 
light  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ  should  shine 
into  my  heart. 

If  I  know  not  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  truth— 
what  is  all  my  knowledge  but  an  accursed  puffer  up ! 
a  murderer  of  my  soul!  Ah!  how  my  table,  my 
reading,  my  meditations,  my  sermons,  my  princi- 
ples, my  prayers,  as  a  trap  and  snare,  take  and  bind 
me  hand  and  foot,  to  cast  me  the  unprofitable  ser- 
vant, into  utter  darkness ;  with  all  my  bible,  all  my 
books,  all  my  gifts,  as  it  were  inlaid  in  my  con- 
science, like  fuel,  like  oil,  for  ever,  to  enrage  the 
flames  of  infinite  wrath  against  my  soul!  Ah!  am  I 
set  here,  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  as  a  candle  to  waste 
mvself  in  shewing  others  the  way,  in  lighting  up  the 
Bridegroom's  friends ;  and  must  my  lamp  at  the  end 
go  out  in  obscure  darkness !  If  I  die  unfaithful  to 
Christ,  in  what  a  tremendous  manner  shall  I  for  ever 
sink  into  the  bottomless  pit,  under  the  weight  of  the 
blood  of  the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  men — under 
the  weight  of  murdered  truths,  murdered  convic- 


SELECT    REMAINS.  6& 

tions,  murdered  gifts,  a  murdered  ministry,  and 
murdered  souls !  How  for  ever  curse  myself,  that  I 
did  not  rather  choose  to  be  a  tinker,  a  chimney- 
sweeper, an  executioner,  than  a  pretended,  a  treach- 
erous, minister  of  Christ !  Vile,  vile,  accursed  hy- 
pocrite, how  shalt  thou  abide  with  devouring  fire ! 
how  shalt  thou  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings ! 

Suppose  I  should  know  the  grace  of  God  in  truth ; 
yet,  if  my  graces  are  not  kept  lively — if  my  loins  are 
not  girt,  and  my  lamp  burning,  all  inflamed  with 
Jesus's  love  constraining  my  heart — how  careless, 
how  carnal,  how  blasted,  how  accursed,  must  my 
ministrations  be !  Ponder,  my  soul,  the  nature  of  thy 
work,  as  a  dealing  between  the  infinite  God  and  the 
immortal,  the  perishing  souls  of  men !  Ponder  the 
extent  of  my  duties,  and  the  solemnity  of  my  en- 
gagements !  Think  how  the  honours  and  privileges 
of  my  office,  and  my  relation  to  Christ  therein,  ought 
to  instigate  me  to  faithfulness ! — What  self-denial, 
what  pure  regard  to  the  honour  of  God,  what  pru- 
dence, what  diligence,  what  humility,  what  zeal, 
what  spirituality  of  heart  and  life,  what  noted  de- 
pendence on  Jesus  by  faith  ;  what  order,  what  plain- 
ness, what  just  temperature  of  mildness  and  severi- 
ty, is  necessary  in  thus  dealing  with  the  souls  of 


But,  ah !  while  I  stand  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord, 
and  minister  holy  things  in  his  name,  how  pollu- 
ted and  abominable  is  my  heart,  my  life !  Ah  what 
lusts  prevail!  How  dreadful  the  case  of  my  hearers' 
souls,  if  it  is  like  mine!  What  if  I  have  less  of  the 
reality  of  religion  than  the  weakest,  the  most  unten- 
der  saint  of  my  charge!  Ah !  how  mv  evil  heart  of 
unbelief  departs  from  the  living  God !  Where,  where 
is  my  faith  in  God!  where  is  my  burning  of  heart, 
while  Jesus  speaks  to  me  and  opens  to  me  the  scrip- 


66  SELECT    REMAINS* 

tures !  Where  are  my  love-pantings,  my  languishing, 
my  cries  for  the  Lord !  Where  is  my  habitual  fel- 
lowship with  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost; — my 
sitting  under  Jesus's  shadow  with  great  delight, 
while  his  fruit  is  sweet  to  my  taste !  Where  is  my 
constant  travailing  in  birth  till  Christ  be  formed  in 
the  souls  of  men  i  Where  are  the  agonies  which  my 
heart  hath  undergone,  both  in  the  night  and  in  the 
day,  while  the  saving,  the  sanctifying  presence  of 
God  was  denied  to  me,  or  to  my  flock  i-  -Nay,  how 
often  hath  pride  been  almost  all  in  all  to  me !  How 
often  it  hadi  chosen  my  companions !  my  dress !  my 
victuals! — hath  chosen  my  text!  my  subject!  my 
language!  how  often  indited  my  thoughts !  and,  to 
the  reproach,  the  blasting  of  the  gospel,  hath  decked 
my  sermon  with  tawdry  ornaments  and  fancies,  as  if 
it  had  been  a  stage-play !  how  often  it  hath  blunted 
Jesus's  sharp  arrows  of  truth  with  its  swollen  bom- 
bast, or  silken  smoothness !  In  the  pulpit,  how  often 
pride  hath  formed  my  looks,  my  tone,  my  action,  and 
kindled  me  into  earnestness !  How  often  it  hath  ren- 
dered me  glad  to  hear  my  subsequent  applause,  and 
provoked  with  the  news  of  my  contempt!  Ah!  how 
much  of  my  labour  is  owing  to  pride,  spurred  on  by 
the  fame  of  learning,  diligence,  or  sanctity !  No  won- 
der my  labours,  so  much  influenced  by  satanical  mo- 
tives, do  Satan's  kingdom  so  little  hurt!  Think  too, 
my  soul,  if  my  pride  never  made  me  envy  or  wound 
the  characters  oi  such  as  differed  from  me  or  outshi- 
ned  me ; — if  it  never  made  me  reluctant  to  admit  re- 
proof, especially  from  those  of  inferior  stations  ! — 
Think  if  pride  is  less  inconsistent  with  reai  Christia- 
nity than  drunkenness,  or  whoredom  ! — How  much 
a  factious  spirit  prevails  with  me!  Did  I  never  take 
up  a  religious  principle  in  the  way  of  factious  conten- 
tion r  Did  I  never  undervalue  the  peace  and  unity  of 
the  church  ?  Have  I  been  afflicted  with  Zion  in  all 
her  afflictions,  as  if  they  had  beenTny  own  ?  By  prov- 


SELEC'^  REMAINS.  67 

ing  my  opponents  in  a  controversy  deceivers  and 
blasphemers,  have  I  never,  in  respect  of  manner  or 
end,  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  devil  ?  Did  I  never  in- 
cline to  have  any  destitute  of  the  ordinances  or  in- 
fluences of  heaven,  rather  than  my  party  should  be 
dishonoured  ? — Ah !  how  slothful  have  I  been  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord !  in  studying  the  matter  of  divine 
truths,  and  their  connexion  with  Christ  and  with  one 
another!  or  in  delivering  them  to  my  hearers! 
How  slothful  in  sympathising  with  and  helping  such 
as  had  no  fixed  gospel  ministrations ;  or  in  devising 
and  carrying  on  projects  for  the  honour  of  Jesus,  and 
the  welfare  of  souls  !  How  often  carnal  interest  hath 
marred  my  zeal  for  the  interest  of  Christ!  Hence 
what  temporizing  with  the  laws  and  customs  of  the 
world!  What  shrinking  from  duties  that  required 
much  labour  or  expense!  What  uncheerfulness  in 
giving  large  alms!  and  backwardness  to  improve 
whatever  I  have,  for  the  honour  of  Christ,  and  the 
welfare  of  men ! 

Awake,  my  conscience !  What  meanest  thou,  O 
sleeper!  Bestir  thyself  for  thy  God.  Ah !  I  tremble 
to  think  how  my  parents,  who  piously  de-voted,  who 
educated,  me  to  this  work  of  the  Lord ;  how  the 
masters,  the  teachers,  who  prepared  me  for  it ;  how 
the  seminaries  of  learning  in  which  I  was  instructed, 
the  years  I  have  spent  in  study,  the  gifts  which  God 
hath  bestowed  on  me,  my  voluntary  undertaking  of 
the  work; — how  all  the  thoughts,  the  words,  the 
works,  of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  to  promote 
our  redemption; — how  all  the  divine  command- 
ments, promises,  and  threatenings,  which  inculcate 
my  duty ; — all  the  examples  of  apostles,  prophets, 
and  faithful  ministers  ;  how  all  the  leaves  of  my  bi- 
ble, all  the  books  in  my  closet,  all  the  sermons  I 
preach,  all  the  instructions  and  exhortations  I  tender ; 
all  the  discipline  I  exercise;  all  the  maintainance  I 


68  SELECT   REfcAIl 

receive :  all  the  honours  which  I  enjoy  or  expect ; 
all  the  testimonies  I  have  given  against  the  negli- 
gence of  parents,  masters,  ministers,  or  magistrates ; 
all  the  vows,  and  resolutions  I  have  made  to  reform ; 
and  all  the  prayers  I  have  presented  to  God  for  as- 
sistance or  success ;  shall  rise  up  against  me  in  the 
day  of  the  Lord,  if  I  do  his  work  deceitfully :  alas ! 
who  shall  live  when  the  Lord  doth  this  ? 

Think,  my  soul,  as  at  the  awful  bar,  did  not  the  Ho- 
ly Ghost,  who  is  ready  to  furnish  me  with  everything 
necessary,  did  not  God,  put  me  into  the  ministry  ? 
Was  it  that  I  might  waste  devoted  time,  that  I  might 
tear  his  church,  mangle  his  truths,  betray  his  honour, 
and  murder  the  souls  of  men !  Is  not  my  charge  the 
Jiock  of  God,  the  flock  of  God  purchased -with  his  own 
blood?  Shall  I  destroy  God's  property — attempt  to 
frustrate  the  end  of  his  death?  Hath  Jesus  died  for 
souls !  Shall  I  then  think  any  thing  too  hard  to  be 
done  for  their  salvation  ?  Shall  I  not  part  with  all,  put 
up  with  all,  to  win  men  to  Christ?  Was  he  crucified 
for  them,  for  me !  Shall  I  not  crucify  my  selfishness, 
my  pride,  my  sloth,  my  concupiscence,  to  save  my- 
self, and  them  that  hear  me  ? — How  hard  my  work  ! 
While  my  own  salvation  is  at  stake,  how  deeply  con- 
nected with  my  diligence  and  faithfulness  is  the  sal- 
vation of  multitudes!  How  the  powers  of  hell  set 
themselves  against  me  and  my  office,  in  order  that 
they  may  triumph  over  Christ  and  his  church  m  my 
fall!  How  many  eyes  of  God,  angels,  and  men,  are 
upon  me !  Why  then  conscience,  do  I  speak  of  hea- 
ven or  hell — of  Jesus  and  his  love — his  blood — of 
the  new  covenant  and  its  blessings — in  so  careless 
and  sleepy  a  manner ! — When  before,  and  on  every 
side  of  my  pu  .pit,  there  are  so  many  scores  or  hun- 
dreds of  immortal  souls  suspended  over  hell  by  the 
frail  thread  of  life,  already  in  the  hands  of  the  devil, 
and  gasping  towards  everlasting  ruin — slain  by  the 


SELECT    REMAHJ3.  ©9 

gospel  of  Christ !  Why  do  not  tears  of  deep  concern 
mingle  themselves  with  every  sentence  I  utter,  when 
multitudes,  just  plunging  into  damnation,  and  per- 
haps hearing  for  the  last  time,  are,  in  respect  of  need, 
crying, ^yith  an  exceeding  bitter  cry,  Help,  minister, 
I  perish,  I  perish  ;  pluck  the  brond  out  of  !he  burning ; 
help  to  escape  from  the  wrath  to  come !  Hon  should  I 
spend  a  moment  of  my  devoted  time  in  idle  chit-chart; 
in  useless  reading,  in  unnecessary  sleep!  What  if, 
mean  while,  some  one  of  my  charge  drop  into  h<  u- 
fire,  and  commence  his  everlasting  curses  of  me  lor 
not  doing  more  lor  his  salvation  !  What  shall  I  do  if 
God  riseth  up  to  require  their  blood  at  my  hand ! 
How  accursed  that  knowledge  which  I  do  not  im- 
prove lor  the  honour  oi  Christ,  the  bestower !  How 
accursed  that  ease  which  issues  in  the  damnation 
of  men!  How  accursed  that  conformity  to  the  world 
which  permits  my  hearers  to  sleep  hellward  in  sin ! 


TRACT  VII. 

Reflections  of  a  Minister  encouraging  himself  in 
Christ, 

Have  I  obtained  mercy  ?  Hath  the  Son  of  God 
loved  me,  and  given  himself  for  me  ?  Hath  he  trans- 
lated me  from  darkness  to  his  marvellous  light  ?  Hath 
he  called  me,  and  furnished  me  with  knowledge, 
with  spiritual  experiences,  for  my  work?  Let  me 
shew  forth  the  praises  of  him  who  hath  called  me. 
Why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ?  Still  trust  in  God, 
for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the  help,  the  health, 
of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.  Hath  he  separa- 
ted me  to  the  gospel  qf  the  grace  of  God  ?— counted 
G 


TO  SELECT    REMAINS. 

me  faithful,  putting  me  into  the  ministry,  and  giving 
me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  this  grace, 
that  I  should  preach  amongst  the  Gentiles  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ  ? 

r""Let  me  magnify  mine  office.  He  hath  raised  me 
from  the  dunghill,  and  exalted  me  above  principali- 
ties and  powers,  thrones  and  dominions,  to  be  a  sta- 
ted preacher  of  Christ,  a  stated  ambassador  and  her- 
ald of  the  Lord  of  hosts.  How  superlatively  plea- 
sant my  business— to  survey,  to  tell  out,  the  exceed- 
ing riches  &f  Christ — all  my  own ! — to  publish  ex- 
ceeding great  and  precious  promises,  all  given  to  me ! 
to  declare  to  niy  Jbrethren  the  name  that  is  as  oint- 
ment poured  forth  T-^&proclaim  redemption  through 
the  blood  of  God,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  his  grace ! — to  be  ever,  with 
joy,  drawing  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation  ;  and 
have  rivers  of  living  waters  flowing  out  of  my  belly, 
for  the  refreshment  of  others ! — to  be  God's  unmuz- 
zled ox,  treading  out  his  corn,  the  finest  of  the  wheat ! 
to  be  a  worker  together  with  God  in  the  chiefest  of 
all  his  ways,  the  salvation  of  men ! — to  be  like  angels, 
always  beholding  the  face  of  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven ! — to  be  all  the  days  of  my  life  dwelling  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord ;  beholding  his  beauty,  and  in- 
quiring reverently  in  his  temple ! — to  be  measuring 
the  height,  the  length,  the  depth,  the  breadth,  and  to 
know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge, 
and  to  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God ! 

Let  me,  therefore,  be  in  nothing  terrified  by  my 
adversaries,  nor  by  the  arduous  nature  of  my  work. 
In  the  full  assurance  that  Jesus  is  mine,  and  hath 
called  me,  let  distress,  no  persecution,  no  danger, 
move  me.  Jesus,  the  fore-runner,  for  me  is  entered. 
He,  the  breaker,  is  gone  up  before  me :  he  hath  bro- 
ken up,  and  passed  through:  he  is  on  my  head,  and 


SELECT    REMAINS?  71 

at  vo0:  right  hand ;  I  shall  not  be  moved :  he  sendeth 
nqpe  a  warfare  upon  his  own  charges:  he  hath  said 
to  my  soul,  Lo,  I  am  with  thee  alway,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world. — As  thy  days  are,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be.  My  presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  f , 
will  give  thee  rest.  When  thou  passest  through  the 
waters  I  will  be  with  thee,  and  through  the  rivers,  they 
shall  not  overflow  thee :  when  thou  walkest  through 
the  fire  thou  shalt  not  be  burnt,  neither  shall  the  flame 
kindle  upon  thee.  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee :  be  not 
dismayed,  I  am  thy  God.  Fear  not,  worm  Jacob! 
I  will  help  thee. — Behold,  I  will  make  thee  a  new 
sharp-threshing  instrument,  having  teeth,  and  thou 
shalt  thresh  the  mountains,  and  beat  them  small ; 
and  thou  shalt  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  glory  in  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel.  I  will  be  with  thy  mouth. — Be- 
hold, I  have  made  thee  a  defenced  city,  and  an  iron 
pillar  and  a  brazen  wall,  against  the  whole  land.  I  am 
with  thee,  saith  the  Lord  to  deliver  thee.  I  even  I, 
am  He  that  comforteth  thee.  Who  art  thou,  that  art 
afraid  of  a  man  ?  I  will  give  you  another  Comforter, 
that  he  may  abide  with  you  for  ever,  even  the  Spirit  of 
Truth.  He  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and  bring  all 
things  to  your  remembrance.  He  shall  take  of  mine, 
and  shall  shew  it  unto  you.  When  he  is  come  he 
will  convince  the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness, 
and  of  judgement.  Be  thou  faithful  unto  the  death, 
and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life.  He  that  loseth 
his  life  for  my  sake  shall  find  it.  To  him  that  over- 
cometh  will  I  give  to  sit  with  me  on  my  throne,  even 
as  I  also  overcame  and  am  set  down  with  my  Father 
on  his  throne. 

Bestir  thyself,  my  soul ;  let  me  walk  in  the  light  of 
the  Lord?  let  me  set  my  face  like  a  flint ;  let  me  give 
my  back  to  the  smiters  and  my  cheeks  to  them  that 
pluck  off  the  hair.  I  shall  not  be  confounded ;  for 
the  Lord  God  will  help  me.     Let  me  go  forth  in 


*2  SEXECT    REMAINS- 

kim,  as  my  might,  to  promote  the  salvation  of  souls* 
that  they  may  be  my  hope,  my  reward,  my  joy,  my 
glory,  and  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  dav  of  the  Lord. 
Nay,  though  Israel  be  not  gathered,  I  shall  be  glo- 
rious in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord ;  my  judgement  shall 
be  with  the  Lord,  and  my  work  with  my  God.  Is 
Jesus  my  surety,  my  sacrifice,  my  teacher,  my  Lord, 
my  friend,  my  father,  my  husband,  my  saviour,  my 
God,  ray  glory?  Let  me  indite  good  matter,  touch- 
ing the  King.  Let  my  tongue  be  as  the  pen  of  a 
ready  writer.  Let  my  closed  lips  be  opened,  and 
sing  aloud  of  his  righteousness  and  salvation  all  the 
day,  as  not  knowing  the  numbers  thereof.  Let  Je- 
sus be  the  end  of  all  my  ministrations.  If  I  seek  to 
please  men,  I  cannot  be  the  servant  of  Christ.  If  I 
chiefly  rrgard  my  own  honour,  my  humour,  or  my 
temporal  advantage,  how  shall  I  hold  up  my  face  to 
Jesus,  who  loved  rne,  and  gave  himself  for  me !  If 
he  is  the  beloved  Son  of  God,  full  of  grace  and  truth, 
for  men,  for  me— and  made  of  God  to  us  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctiiication,  and  redemption — let  it 
be  my  great  aim  to  promote  the  glory  of  his  grace, 
in  the  salvation  of  all  around  me ;  and  to  be  a  good 
savour  of  Christ  unto  God  in  them  that  are  saved, 
and  in  them  that  perish.  Let  Jesus,  in  his  person, 
natures,  offices,  relations,  works,  and  blessings,  be 
the  matter  of  my  ministrations.  Let  me  exhibit 
laws,  doctrines,  promises,  and  threatenings,  in  due 
connexion  with  him — the  law  as  a  covenant  fulfilled 
and  magnified  by  him,  and  driving  men  to  him ; — 
the  law  as  a  rule,  sweetened  in  his  blood,  founded 
on  his  atonement,  and  requiring  the  improvement  of 
him  as  our  all  and  in  all.  The  promises  as  yea  and 
amen  in  Christ  Jesus — the  New  Testament  in  his 
blood.  If  I  display  the  perfections  of  God,  let  it  be, 
as  they  shine  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  If  I  ex- 
;.;k  ;,  ))!  <;S}ngS  of  divine  grace,  let  me  represent 
ffecm  as  purchased  with  his  blood,  lodged  in  his 


SELECT    REMAINS.  73 

heart,  and  distributed  by  his  bountiful  hand — and  as 
blessings  wherewith  the  Father  blesseth  men  in 
Christ  Jesus.  If  I  point  forth  the  providences  of 
God,  let  it  be  as  the  doing  of  my  Lord,  and  marvel- 
lous in  my  eyes.  If  I  proclaim  the  terrors  of  the 
Almighty,  let  them  appear  as  the  sore  punishment 
appointed  for  such  as  trample  Jesus  under  their  feet, 
and  count  the  blood  of  the  covenant  an  unholy  thing ; 
as  the  condemnation  of  the  obstinate  refusers  of 
God's  unspeakable  gift.  If  I  call  men  to  repent,  let 
it  be  in  looking  to  Jesus,  whom  they  have  pierced. 
If  I  inculcate  prayer,  let  it  be  as  a  coming  boldly  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  in  the  view  of  having  a  great 
high  priest,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God.  If  I  recommend 
thanksgiving,  let  it  be  as  chiefly  for  Christ,  and  ac- 
ceptable through  him.  If  I  press  the  duties  of  the 
law  of  any  kind,  let  it  be  as  part  of  Christ's  purcha- 
sed salvation,  as  the  fruits  of  faith  living  on  Christ; 
as  enforced  by  the  authority,  the  love  of  Christ ;  and 
produced  under  the  influence  of  Christ,  and  his  Spi- 
rit dwelling  in  us;  as  conducive  to  the  glory  of 
Christ;  and  acceptable  only  through  the  merits  and 
intercession  of  Christ.  Let  every  particular  duty  be 
enforced  with  some  particular  consideration  of 
Christ,  1  Cor.  vi.  & — 11, 15.  2  Cor.  viii.  9.  Tit.  ii.  7, 
9.  Rom.  xiii.  14.  Eph.  iv.  22,  25,  32.  Let  my  very 
style  savour  of  Christ,  manifesting  great  plainness 
and  energy,  extracted  fromthe  oracles  of  Christ. 

Since  Jesus  hath  put  me  into  this  dignified  office, 
and  hath  assured  me  of  his  assistance  and  reward,  let 
me  shew  myself  a  workman  that  needeth  not  be  a- 
shamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth,  and  giv- 
ing every  one  his  meat  in  due  season,  in  correspon- 
dence to  their  respective  stations,  conditions,  and 
inclinations.  Let  me  so  preach  the  grace  of  the  gos- 
pel, to  promote  an  humble  and  universal  dependance 
9n  Christ ;  but  mean  while  condemn  the  sluggish  and 
G  2 


74  SELECT    REMAINS. 

careless  professor.  Let  me  labour  to  screw  into 
every  man's  conscience  the  divine  truths  suited  to 
his  case.  Let  me  distinctly  explain  and  enforce  par- 
ticular duties,  and  oppose  particular  lusts  and  vices. 
After  searching  my  own  heart,  and  much  prudent 
pains  to  understand  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  va- 
rious persons  of  my  charge,  let  me  labour  so  to  apply 
my  doctrines,  that  every  one  may  know  himself  and 
his  circumstances  before  God:  so  as  the  ignorant 
may  be  instructed,  scoffers  and  gainsayers  convinced, 
the  stupid  and  secure  awakened,  the  slothful  roused 
and  excited,  the  legalist  and  moralist  have  his  hopes 
slain,  the  hypocrite  may  feel  his  covering  too  narrow 
to  wrap  himself  in,  the  afflicted  may  be  comforted, 
the  wanderer  reclaimed,  and  the  sincere  asker  of  the 
way  to  Zion  may  be  directed. 

In  fine,  holding  fast  the  form  of  sound  words, i  in 
4  faith  and  love  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus' — and  keep- 
ing that  good  thing,  office,  gifts,  and  grace,  commit- 
ted to  me  4  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  dwelleth  in 
me' — let  me  carefully  lay  the  foundation,  in  a  fre- 
quent and  pointed  explication  of  gospel  truth  relative 
to  Jesus's  person,  righteousness,  and  sinners'  union 
with  him,  and  justification  through  his  imputed  a- 
tonement.  Let  me,  in  the  most  clear  and  convincing 
manner,  point  out  the  nature  and  circumstances  of 
regeneration  and  turning  to  God — together  with  the 
real  marks  of  a  gracious  state,  and  the  difference  be- 
tween spiritual  and  saving  changes  of  the  heart  ef- 
fected by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  counterfeits  there- 
of. In  nothing  let  me  study  more  accuracy  than  in 
explaining  the  nature,  progress,  and  circumstances  of 
•gospel  sanctificaticis 


SELECT    REMAINS*  25' 

TRACT  VIIL 

On  Conditional  Election  and  Freewill. 

Observing  that  our  Arminian  friends  loudly 
insist  that  their  scheme  of  conditional  election,  and  of 
Christ's  death  for  all  men  without  distinction,  and  of 
men's  ability  to  believe,  and  of  the  possibility  of  fall- 
ing from  grace,  is  extremely  adapted  to  promote  the 
honour  of  the  divine  perfections  and  the  comfort  and 
holiness  of  men,  I  could  not  but  enquire  if  these 
things  were  so ;  and,  upon  the  most  unbiassed  exa- 
mination, find  them  quite  the  reverse.  Is  that  for 
the  honour  of  the  Deity,  which  supposeth  him  inca- 
pable to  fix  the  plan  of  his  whole  work,  relative  to 
rational  agents,  before  he  commences  it  ? — that  sup- 
poseth him  incapable  to  fix  any  plan,  but  when  a  cre- 
ated freewill  is  his  counsellor ;  or  to  prosecute  any 
plan  but  as  freewill  allows  him  her  permission  and  as- 
sistance ?  Is  that  scheme  honourable  to  God,  which 
supposeth  him  to  have  created  a  freewill  in  rational 
agents,  which  it  is  beyond  his  power  to  keep  depen- 
dant upon  himself,  or  manage  for  answering  any  fix- 
ed purpose  ?  Where  is  the  immutability  of  God,  if 
he  be  obliged  to  alter  his  schemes  as  the  freewill  of 
mankind  shall  please  to  deport  itself?  Is  this  the 
standing  of  his  counsel  and  the  doing  of  all  his  plea- 
sure ?  Where  is  the  boasted  universality  of  his  benev- 
olence, unless  he  hath  provided  a  Saviour  for  devils 
as  well  as  for  men ;  and  given  them,  who  are  his 
creatures,  and  no  less  excellent,  an  equal  throne  for 
their,  eternal  salvation?  Where  was  his  wisdom  or 
equity ;  and  where  his  love  to  his  eternal  Son,  if  he 
took  pleasure  to  bruise  him,  to  make  his  soul  an  offer- 
ing for  the  sin  of  all  mankind ; — for  the  sin  of  those 
who,  at  the  very  time,  were  in  hell,  suffering  the  due 
reward  of  their  deeds ;  and  for  millions  who,  if  om- 


76  SELECT   REMAINS; 

niscient,  he  foresaw  would  follow  them  thither  in- 
due  time ;  or  to  make  him  throw  away  his  life  for 
men  upon  the  improbable  supposition,  that  such  as 
were  in  the  flesh,  in  their  natural  state,  should  please 
God  with  their  faith  and  repentance  ?  Where  is  his 
wisdom  or  power,  his  kindness  or  candour  towards 
us,  if  his  choice  of  us  to  eternal  life,  if  the  death  of 
his  Son  for  us,  if  the  striving  of  his  Spirit  with  us, 
have  their  whole  efficacy  in  our  favours  suspended 
upon  this  impossible  condition — that  our  heart,  de- 
ceitful above  all  things  and  desperately  wicked,  our 
carnal  mind  at  enmity  against  God,  and  which  is  not 
subject  to  his  law,  neither  indeed  can  be,  shall  gra- 
ciously convert  itself,  and  lend  its  assistance  to  the 
Deity  for  the  securing  of  our  eternal  happiness,  and 
effectuating  that  which  was  too  hard  for  the  Lord  ? 

Where,  my  Arminian  friends,  is  the  comfort,  the 
blessedness  for  men,  of  which  you  speak  ?  If  I  am 
deeply  sensible  of  the  corruption  of  my  heart,  what 
comfort  can  it  be  to  me,  that  God  will  fix  his  choice 
on  me — will  render  the  death  of  his  Son  the  price  of 
my  eternal  life — will  render  the  striving  of  his  Spirit 
prevalent  to  my  eternal  salvation,  if  I  perform  the 
(to  me  infinitely  impossible)  condition  of  faith  and 
repentance,  persevered  in  unto  the  end  of  my  life  ? 
What  though  Jehovah  hath  said  to  my  soul,  I  have 
loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love ;  his  loving  kind- 
ness may  endure  but  for  a  moment,  and  the  everlast- 
ing covenant  of  his  peace  be  removed !  What,  sup- 
pose he  began  to  do  me  good,  he  may  not  be  able  or 
willing  to  finish  it !  he  may  break  his  everlasting  co- 
venant, ordered  in  all  things  and  sure,  and  turn-away 
from  doing  me  good!  What,  suppose  he  hath  writ- 
ten my  name  in  heaven,  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life- 
it  is  less  tenacious  than  my  parish  register :  my  name 
may  be  blotted  out  ere  to-morrow.  Suppose  Christ 
hath  loved  me,  and  given  himself  to  the  death  for  me, 


SELECT  REMAINS;  It 

it  is  no  more  than  he  did  for  millions  at  that  instant 
in  hell,  and  for  millions  that  shall  be  eternally  damn- 
ed. His  death  can  therefore  be  no  more  comfortable 
to  me  than  my  creation ;  and  yet  perhaps  it  had  been 
better  for  me  that  I  had  never  been  born.  Suppose 
the  striving  of  the  Holy  Spirit  should,  in  some  happy 
moment,  have  concurrence,  or  at  least  the  permis* 
sion,  of  my  freewill  to  change  my  nature,  and  im- 
plant in  me  gracious  principles ;  they  are  put  into  a 
bag  with  holes,  and  may  be  lost  ere  to-morrow !  Sup* 
pose  I  had  taken  my  place  on  the  celestial  throne, 
perhaps,  by  an  inadvertent  slip  of  my  freewill,  I  may 
be  tumbled  headlong  into  hell,  as  multitudes  of  an- 
gels once  were ! 

As  good  methinks  be  a  reprobate  according  to  the 
Calvinist  scheme,  than  an  elected  person  according 
to  the  Arminiau !  According  to  the  Calvinist,  God 
will  save  no  man  but  in  consistency  with  his  own 
.purpose.  According  to  the  Arminian,  God  neither 
will  nor  can  save  any  man  without  the  permission, 
the  assistance,  of  the  man's  freewill ;  or  without  our 
performance  of  an  infinitely  impossible  condition  of 
true  faith  and  gospel  repentance,  produced  from  a 
carnal  mind  at  enmity  against  God ! 

According  to  the  Calvinist,  the  divine  purpose  lay 
no  bar  in  the  way  of  our  freewiii's  performing  its  du- 
ty ;  and  whosoever  believeth  shall  be  saved.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Arminian,  it  is  not  one  act  of  believ- 
ing, nor  perhaps  a  thousand  acts  of  faith,  repentance, 
and  sincere  obedience,  that  will  fix  my  state .?  Alas i 
miserable  comforter,  and  physician  of  no  value ! 

Doth  the  Arminian  scheme  promote  the  earnest 
study  of  true  holiness  i  Let  experience  speak  How 
many  in  Britain  suppose  themselves  capable  to  re- 
pent and  believe  at  pleasure,  and  that  Christ  died  xor 


79  Select  remains. 

all ;  at  least,  if  they  be  sincere,  and  do  the  best  they  can  ? 
yet,  what  students  of  holiness  are  these  ?  Let  hell  blush 
at  the  thought !  How  many  of  them  blaspheme  as  dev- 
ils, and  tempt  their  fellows  to  abomination!  How 
many  riot  in  drunkenness,  gluttony,  and  whoredom ! 
How  many  are  ignorant  of  the  first  principles  of  out4 
holy  religion,  and  cannot  so  much  as  rest  in  the  lite- 
ral knowledge  of  the  law !  How  many  live  as  brute 
beasts,  unthoughtful  whether  they  be  possessed  of 
immortal  souls !  In  what  thousands  of  closets  and 
families  the  stated  worship  of  our  Maker,  is  equally 
observed  as  in  the  stable  or  sty ! — Let  reason  shew 
her  opinion.  According  to  the  Arminian  scheme, 
God  cannot  help  me  much  if  he  would.  He  cannot 
make  me  willing  in  the  days  of  his  power,  or  able  to 
serve  him  in  the  beauties  of  holiness ;  but  can  mere- 
ly strive  with  my  conscience,  and  try  to  sooth  my 
freewill  into  a  good  humour. 

The  law  of  God  indeed  binds  me  to  holiness,  but 
that  is  the  very  case  with  devils,  whose  good  works  I 
suppose  to  be  but  few.  What  benefits  I  have  reciev- 
ed  from  God,  are  so  insignificant  and  common,  that 
I  scarce  owe  him  distinguished  thanks.  His  choice 
of  me,  the  death  of  his  Son  for  me,  and  the  striving 
of  his  Spirit  with  me,  and  even  his  bestowal  of  grace 
upon  me,  do  not  avail,  unless  my  freewill,  take  heed 
to  herself;  they  cannot  for  a  moment  secure  me  from 
hell.  What  pleasure  my  freewill,  if  left  to  herself, 
can  take  in  the  ways  of  holiness,  I  cannot  conceive. 
When  my  eternal  life  is  in  danger  every  moment, 
how  can  I  draw  near  to  God  with  a  true  heart  in  the 
full  assurance  of  faith  ?  How  can  I  be  stedfast  and 
immoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  knowing  that  my  labour  shall  not  be  in  vain  in 
the  Lord  ?  If  I  attempt  to  give  thanks,  what  if  an  en- 
trance into  hell  turn  my  song  into  howling  ?  If  I  owe 
my  happiness  more  to  the  management  of  my  own 


SE4ECT   REMAIN*.  79 

freewill  than  to  God's  election,  Christ's  death,  and 
the  striving  of  his  Spirit,  why  should  I  deny  myself, 
have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh,  but  rejoice  in  Christ 
Jesus  ? — In  heaven  I  owe  no  more  praise  to  God  or 
the  Lamb,  than  those  in  the  lake  that  burnetii  with 
fire  and  brimstone.  Let  my  song  then  be  not, 
"  Worthy  is  the  Lamb,  &c."  but,  "  Worthy  art 
*'  thou,  my  freewill,  to  receive  honour  and  glory, 
44  and  dominion  and  blessing,  for  thou  hast  taken 
"  care,  and  hast  redeemed  me  to  God.  Salvation 
44  to  our  freewill  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to 
44  the  Lamb!" 

'f  _ 


TRACT  IX, 

The  Parliament  dissolved. 

Where  strife  and  contention,  are,  there  is  con- 
fusion and  every  evil  work.  The  late  dissolution  of 
parliament  no  way  that  I  know  of  affects  my  private 
interest.  Scarce  any,  such  as  I  could  have  freedom 
to  choose  for  my  representative,  viz.  '  able  men, 
4  fearing  God,  and  hating  covetousness,'  will  be  turn- 
ed out,  and  perhaps  as  few  brought  in,  by  the  change. 
But  when  I  consider  the  terrible  scenes  of  deceit, 
bribery,  drunkenness,  ignorant  and  profane  swearing 
or  perjury,  that  will  be  thereby  occasioned,  it  sinks 
my  spirits,  and  I  look  on  the  dissolution  as  a  means 
of  hastening  our  ruin.  Alas !  what  numerous,  what 
heavy  curses  of  Jehovah,  the  King  of  nations,  the 
wickedness  committed  in  the  electioneering  work 
will  draw  down !  And  what  court,  what  kingdom, 
can  prosper  under  so  many  fearful  curses  of  almigh- 
ty God !  It  is  neither  N.  nor  F.  nor  P.  that  I  either 


$0  SELECT    KEMAIKS. 

fear  or  trust,  but  a  long  provoked,  and  exceedingly 
angry  God.  Who  may  stand  before  him  if  once  he 
be  angry  i  Who  knows  the  power  of  his  wrath?  If 
he  be  against  us,  who  can  be  for  us?  Till  our  mad- 
ness and  profligacy  in  diversions,  elections,  and  many 
things  else,  and  the  fearful  murder,  deceit,  and  rob- 
ben ,  committed  in  our  East-India  trade,  and  our  ha- 
tred and  contempt  of  Christ  and  his  gospel,  be  turn- 
ed into  weeping,  mourning,  and  girding  with  sack- 
cloth, I  cannot  expect  <my  blesst-d  prosperity  for 
Britain.  Nay,  i  am  astonished  that  God,  in  his  in- 
finite patience,  hath  borne  so  long  with  us,  and  hath 
not  dissolved  us  from  being  a  nation. 

But  turn  thine  eyes,  O  my  soul,  to  a  much  more 
solemn  scene.  In  a  little  our  lower  world  shall  be 
dissolved  j  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great 
noise;  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat; 
and  the  earth,  and  the  works  therein,  shall  be 
burnt  up.  The  great  archangel  shall  sound  his 
awful  trumpet,  calling  all  the  quick  and  the  dead 
to  their  last  judgement.  Not  one  ambitious  wretch 
shall  then  post  through  countries,  to  secure  votes  for 
himself  or  his  friend.  No  carousing  and  drunken- 
ness, no  unruly  or  selfish  polls,  no  frantick  shouts  of 
carnal  joy,  shall  take  place.  But  graves  shall  open  ; 
seas,  earth,  and  hell,  shall  give  up  their  dead.  While 
thousands  of  angels  fly  every  where,  to  gather  God's 
elect  from  the  four  winds  of  heaven ;  millions  un- 
numbered of  ransomed  men  shall  be  caught  up  to 
meet  their  Lord  Christ  in  the  air,  and  to  be  set  down 
with  him  on  his  great  white  throne.  Mean  while, 
countless  multitudes  of  those  who  had  pushed  them- 
selves into  places  of  power  and  trust  in  church  and 
state,  and  of  those  that  had  helped  them  forward, 
shall  be  left  behind  on  the  earth,  weeping,  wailing, 
and  gnashing  their  teeth — cursing  the  day  and  means 
of  their  advancement,  as  well  as  of  their  birth ;  and 


SELECT    REMAINS.'  8l 

that  they,  for  a  paltry  bribe  of  money,  friendship, 
or  liquor,  contributed  to  set  up  a  manifest  enemy  of 
the  Lord  and  his  Christ,  to  be  his  deputy  in  the  state, 
or  ambassador  in  the  church.  But  hark !  how  the 
King  eternal,  by  his  final  sentence, 4  Come  ye  blessed 
4  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
1  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  f  and,  '  De- 
*  part  from  me,  ye  cursed  into  everlasting  fire,  pre- 
4  pit  red  for  the  devil  and  his  angels,'  dissolves  the 
v  ist  assembly  of  mankind.  And  '  these  (wicked) 
4  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but  the 
4  righteous  into  life  eternal.'  Ah,  what  principalities 
and  powers,  kings,  nobles,  and  other  rulers,  shall 
th-n  be  case  down  into  tenfold  depths  of  destruction! 

how  political  combinations  shall  be  turned  into 

mutual  hatred  and  rage ! — how  jovial  roarings  shall 
be  changed  into  dreadful  howlings!  and  bribes  of 
every  form  shall,  like  fire,  torment  the  consciences  of 
both  givers  and  receivers,  and  that  to  all  eternity ! 

And,  my  soul,  what  shall  be  my  lot  in  that  great 
day  of  the  Lord?  Shall  I  appear  with  Christ  in  glo- 
ry? Shall  I  sit  at  his  right  hand?  Shall  I,  clothed 
with  his  own  righteousness  and  grace,  attend  him 
from  his  judgement-seat  into  his  heavenly  palace? 
Shall  I  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord,  and  enter  into  his 
joy  ?  Shall  1  for  ever  sing  Hosannas  to  the  Son  of 
David,  4  Hosanna  in  the  highest?  Salvation  to  our 
4  God  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lumb  I9 
O  grace,  grace,  grace  unto  it!  Not  unto  us,  not  unto 
me,  but  to  thy  name,  O  Lord,  be  the  gbry,  for  thy 
mercy  and  thy  truth's  sake. 
H 


82  SELECT    REMAINS. 

TRACT  X. 

The  Grand  Poll, 

Terrible  confusion  having  happened  among 
mankind,  their  original  state  was  totally  dissolved  by 
the  great  King,  the  Lord  of  hosts.  It  was  therefore 
necessary  that  they  should  be  represented  and  direct- 
ed by  a  new  head.  Two  candidates,  of  very  different 
characters,  appeared  to  solicit  their  votes.  Beelze- 
bub, a  prodigal  rake,  who,  in  a  few  days  of  his  youth, 
had  spent  his  large  patrimony,  and  rendered  himself 
and  many  millions  of  his  friends  absolutely  bankrupt 
and  miserable ;  but  who  nevertheless  became  more 
and  more  proud,  and,  by  his  impudence,  flattery, 
falsehood,  and  other  arts,  gained  the  character  of  a 
most  fashionable  and  prevalent  orator — was  the  one. 
jfesus  Christ,  the  only  begotten  Son  of  the  most  high 
God,  whose  abilities  for  management,  and  his  fideli- 
ty as  well  as  his  true  love  to  God  and  men,  were  ab- 
solutely infinite ;  and  who  had  the  tongue  of  the 
learned,  to  speak  words  that  are  spirit  and  life  to  eve- 
ry attentive  hearer,  was  the  other. 

An  assembly  of  some  hundred  thousand  millions 
being  convened,  though  not  all  precisely  at  the  same 
time,  Beelzebub  had  the  presumption  first  to  ascend 
the  hustings,  and,  with  a  fawning  smile  and  loud  cry, 
begged  their  favourable  attention.  The  whole  as- 
sembly, except  a  few,  heard  him  several  hours  with- 
out so  much  as  a  wandering  eye  or  thought,  or  the 
very  least  impatience.  He  harangued  them  to  this 
purpose : 

4  My  dear  princes,  noblemen,  gentlemen,  clergy- 
'  men,  and  commons,  with  your  respective  princesses 
'  and  ladies,  you  cannot  but  be  deeply  sensible  of  my 


SELECT    REMAINS*  8d 

near  relation  to  you  as  your  common  parent,  and 
of  my  constant  abode  and  familiar  condescensions 
among  you.  My  zeal  for  your  present  established 
constitution  hath,  since  our  first  connexion,  been 
steady  and  ardent.  In  every  possible  form,  I  have 
constantly  contended  for  your  unlimited  liberty 
both  religious  and  civil:  I  have  even  permitted 
you  to  comply  as  far  with  the  doctrines  and  laws 
of  mine  adversary,  as  can  consist  with  your  natural 
inclinations,  or  can  tend  to  promote  your  true 
pleasure,  honour,  and  wealth,  in  this  world.  For 
your  manifest  advantage,  I  have  contended  for  and 
encouraged  your  unallayed  rejoicing  in  the  days  of 
your  youth,  and  your  unbounded  liberty  to  fulfil 
the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  mind,  and  to  walk  in  the 
ways  of  your  heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  your  eyes  j 
and  to  live  in  a  truly  easy,  cheerful^  genteel,  and 
fashionable  manner,  in  the  lust  of  your  flesh,  the 
lust  of  your  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life ; — withhold- 
ing nothing  from  yourself  that  your  soul  desireth. 
Your  small  services  to  me,  I  have  been  always 
ready  to  reward  with  the  riches,  crowns,  or  king- 
doms of  this  world.  I  have  almost  racked  my 
wits,  and  expended  my  treasures,  in  inventing  for 
you  new  forms  of  manly  principles,  exquisite  plea- 
sures, exalted  honours,  and  immense  riches,  that  I 
might  cause  you  to  enjoy  a  very  heaven  upon  earth. 
Instead  of  the  mean,  dull  drudgery  of  prayer,  rant- 
ing of  psalms,  searching  of  bibles,  and  hearing  of 
canting  harangues,  concerning  Christ  and  eternity, 
heaven  and  hell,  I  have  largely  furnished  you  with 
a  set  of  customary  oaths,  excellent  novels  and  ro- 
mances, stage-plays,  puppet-shows,  masquerades, 
balls,  assemblies,  merry  carousals,  processions, 
horse-races,  cock- matches,  cards  and  dice,  and 
many  other  diversions  infinitely  delightful.  By 
the  care  of  myself  and  my  servants,  the  most  of 
you  have  the  good  sense  to  discern  that  that  pitiful 


$4'  SELECT    REMAINS* 

*  scribble,  called  the  Bible,  is  but  an  arrant  impos- 
4  ture,  whose  principles  are  a  disgrace  to  human  na- 
1  ture;  and  its  laws,  unless  as  they  forbid  gross 
4  thefts  in  civilized  nations,  an  intolerable  burden. 
4  To  render  your  minds  as  composed  as  possible,  we 

*  have  also  irrefragably  proved  that  hell  is  a  mere 
r  bugbear,  scarcely  believed  by  one  preacher  of  a 

*  hundred ;  and  that,  if  there  be  a  heaven  or  eternity* 

*  and  a  God,  he  is  naturally  obliged  to  exert  himself 
4  to  his  uttermost  in  making  all  his  creatures  happy : 

*  and  so,  instead  of  damning  any  of  you,  must  be* 
■•  stow  upon  you  an  everlasting  happiness,  answera- 
4  ble  to  your  natural  appetites. — Let  therefore  your 
c  so  richly  deserved  gratitude  determine  each  of  you 
4  to  support  me  on  this  important  occasion ;   the 

*  which  if  you  do,  I  solemnly  promise,  on  my  word 

*  of  honour,  to  exert  myself  for  your  true  and  pre- 
c  sent  welfare,  to  the  very  utmost  of  my  power. 

4  My  only  opponent  scarcely  deserves  your  or  my 
4  notice.     With  pleasure,  my  lords  and  gentlemen i 

*  I  know  that  you  have  the  good  sense  to  hold  him 

*  in  sovereign  contempt.     Most  of  you  never  so 
4  much  as  heard  of  him  till  this  very  day.     His  own 
4  account  of  himself,  if  it  had  any  truth  in  it,  repre- 
4  sents  him  as  absolutely  despicable ; — a  man  of  sor-  . 
4  rows ; — a  worm,  and  no  man ; — mean  in  his  birth  j 

4  debased,  poor,  and  hated  in  his  life,  and  infamous 
4  in  his  death !  Not  learned  doctors,  princes,  noble- 
4  men,  or  gentry,  but  some  infatuated,  or  pitifully 
4  weak  dregs  of  mankind,  have  ever  marked  the  least 
4  regard  for  him.  And  indeed,  none  in  his  wits 
4  will  ever  prefer  one  who  allots  nothing,  but  a  life 
4  of  trouble  and  torment  to  his  friends;  requires 
4  them  to  deny  themselves,  and  threatens  eternal 
4  damnation  for  the  most  trifling  deviation  from  his. 
4  absurd  commands.' 


SELECT    REMAINS*  85 

This  flattering  speech  was  received  with  such  mul- 
titudes of  loud  huzzas,  that  earth  and  hell  rang  again 
with  No  Jesus  Christ,  but  Beelzebub  for  ever! 
Beelzebub  for  ever  !  Beelzebub  for  ever  ! 

Notwithstanding  this  horrid  affront,  Jesus  Christ, 
m  infinite  compassion  to  the  multitude,  mounted  the 
hustings,  and  in  the  most  solemn  and  serious  manner 
begged  their  attention.  But  such  was  their  hubbub 
and  outrageous  clamour,  that,  had  not  his  voice  been 
as  of  the  Almighty  when  he  speaketh,  he  had  got  no 
hearing  at  all.  And  indeed,  till  about  the  evening 
tide,  almost  no  man  regarded  him.  ■  He  addressed 
such  as  did  not  run  off,  in  this  manner,  with  the  tear 
in  his  eye : 

*  To  you,  O  men,  I  call,  and  my  voice  is  to  the 
4  sons  of  men.  How  often  would  I  have  gathered 
c  you  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her 
'  wings,  and  ye  would  not !  Ye  have  been  called  to 
4  the  Most  High,  and  none  would  exalt  h;m.  I  have 
4  called,  and  ye  refused ;  I  stretched  out  my  hand, 
4  and  no  man  regarded.  Ye  have  set  at  nought  all 
4  my  counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof;  ye 
4  would  have  none  of  me.  What  shall  I  do  unto 
4  you,  O  sinners,  O  children  of  disobedience,  who 
4  are  of  your  father  the  devil,  and  the  lusts  of  your 
4  father  ye  do!  How  shall  I  give  you  up!  How 
4  shall  I  make  you  eternal  monuments  of  my  wrath, 
*  as  Admah,  and  as  Zeboim!  Mine  heart  is  turned 
4  within  me,  and  my  repentings  are  kindled  together, 
4  Ah !  you  have  destroyed  yourselves,  but  in  me  is 
4  your  help.  How  long,  you  simple  ones,  will  you 
4  love  simplicity ;  and  you  scorners,  delight  in  scorn- 
4  ing;  and  ye  fools,  hate  knowledge?  Turn  ye  at 
4  my  reproof;  behold,  I  pour  out  my  Spirit  upon 
4  you,  an  1  make  known  my  words  unto  you.  Hear, 
4  O  my  people,  and  I  will  speak ;  I  will  testify  against 
H  2 


86  SELECT    REMAINS. 

you :  I  am  God,  even  thy  God.  And,  as  I  live, 
saith  the  Lord,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of 
the  wicked ;  but  that  they  should  turn  and  live  -r 
turn  ye,  turn  ye ;  why  will  ye  die  ?  What  is  a  man 
profited  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his 
own  soul  ?  or,  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange 
for  his  soul  ?  In  my  own,  and  my  Father's  name,  I 
beseech  you  to  be  reconciled  unto  God ;  for  he  hath 
made  me  who  knew  no  sin,  to  be  sin ;  to  be  a  curse 
for  you,  that  you  might  be  made  the  righteousness 
of  God,  and  for  ever  blessed  with  all  spiritual 
blessings  in  me.  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he 
gave  me,  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  me  might  not  perish,  but  have  ever- 
lasting life.  He  hath  sanctified,  sealed  and  sent 
me  into  the  world,  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which 
was  lost:  hath  sent  me  forth  in  the  likeness  of  sin- 
ful flesh  that  I  might  give  my  life  a  ransom  for 
many ;  hath  sent  me,  a  Saviour,  and  a  great  one,  to 
deliver  you ; to  give  you  repentance  and  re- 
mission of  sins,  and  bless  you  in  destroying  the 
works  of  the  devil,  and  turning  every  one  of  you 
from  his  iniquities ;  hath  given  me  for  a  covenant 
to  the  people,  a  light  unto  the  Gentiles,  and  his 
salvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. — Having  loved 
you  with  an  everlasting  love,  I  from  eternity,  co- 
venanted for  you  as  your  surety,  and  undertook  to 
pay  all  your  infinite  debt  to  an  offended  God.  In 
the  fulness  of  time  I  became  your  brother,  born 
for  your  adversity. — God  in  your  nature,  as  well 
as  on  your  Bide.  In  your  stead  I  myself  bore  your 
sins,  and  all  the  curses,  punishment,  and  death,  due 
to  them ;  finished  transgression,  and  made  an  end 
of  sin;  and  fulfilled  all  righteousness  required  by 
the  broken  law ;  nay,  magnified  the  law,  and  made 
it  honourable. — Having  thus  loved  you,  and  given 
myself  for  you  to  God  as  a  sacrifice  of  a  sweet- 
smelling  savour,  a  propitiation  for  the  sins  oi  the 


SELECT    REMAINS*  87 

world,  I  was  raised  again  for  your  justification, 
ascended  up  on  high,  and  received  gifts  for  men ; 
yea  for  the  rebellious  also,  that  the  Lord  God 
might  dwell  among  them  ;  had  all  things,  all  pow- 
er in  heaven  and  earth,  delivered  unto  me  of  my 
Father,  that  I  might  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as 
I  will ;  was  exalted  to  his  right  hand,  that,  by  con- 
tinual intercession,  I  might  be  able  to  save  to  the 
uttermost  all  them  that  come  unto  God  by  me.  Let, 
therefore,  all  his  multitude  know  assuredly,  that 
God  hath  made  me  Jesus,  whom  ye  have  despised 
and  crucified,  both  Lord  and  Christ ;  that  I  am 
made  of  God  unto  you,  ignorant,  guilty,  polluted 
and  enslaved  sinners,  wisdom  and  righteousness, 
sanctification  and  redemption,  that  ye  may  be  saved 
in  me  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  Look  there- 
fore  unto  me  and  be  ye  saved  from  every  plague 
and  misery,  and  to  every  form  or  degree  of  true 
happiness,  in  time  or  eternity ;  for  I  am  God,  and 
there  is  none  else; — a  just  God  and  a  Saviour; 
there  is  none  beside  me; — no  salvation  in  any 
other — no  other  name  under  heaven  given  among 
men  by  which  you  can  be  saved.  Incline  your 
ear,  and  come  unto  me :  hear,  and  your  soul  shall 
live ;  and  I  will  make  with  you  an  everlasting  co- 
venant, even  the  sure  mercies  of  David; — abundant 
pardon  and  acceptance  through  my  blood ;  adop- 
tion into  my  family ;  newness  of  heart  in  conformi- 
ty to  my  image ;  comfort  in  fellowship  with  me ; 
and  God  himself  as  your  God.  Come  unto  me, 
all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will 
give  you  rest.  My  son,  give  me  thy  heart.  If 
any  man  thirst,  have  any  need,  let  him  come  unto 
me,  and  I  will  give  him  to  drink  of  that  water, 
which  shall  be  in  him  a  well  springing  up  unto 
everlasting  life.  If  any  man  hear  mv  voice,  I  will 
give  to  him  eternal  life,  and  he  shall  never  perish, 
nor  shall  any  be  able  to  pluck  him  out  of  mine  or 


8$  SELECT   REMAINS*. 

*  my  Father's  hand.  For  this  is  the  will  of  him, 
'  that  sent  me,  that  every  one  that  seeth  the  Son,  and 

*  believeth  on  him,  may  have  everlasting  life.     All 

*  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to  me ;  and 

*  him  that  cometh  unto  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast 

*  out.  Now  is  the  accepted  time ;  now  is  the  day 
4  of  salvation. — Harden  not  your  hearts.    How  shall 

*  ye  escape  if  ye  neglect  so  great  salvation ! — if  ye 
4  tread  under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  count  the 
4  blood  of  the  covenant,  wherewith  he  was  sanctified, 
4  an  unholy  thing,  and  do  despite  unto  the  Spirit  of 
4  grace!' 

He  pronounced  these,  and  many  other  like  words, 
with  such  amazing  earnestness,  power,  and  life,  that 
multitudes,  even  of  those  that  had  most  heartily 
voted  for  Beelzebub,  recanted,  and,  with  great  melt- 
ing of  heart,  cried  out,  Behold,  we  come  unto  thee, 
for  4  thou  art  the  Lord  our  God ;' — 4  God  my  Sa- 

4  viour my  master my  Lord  and  my  God !' 

4  O  Lord,  our  God !  other  lords  beside  thee  have 
4  had  dominion  over  us ;  but  by  thee  only  will  we 
4  make  mention  of  thy  name.' — 4  This  is  a  faithful 

*  saying  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ 
4  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  of  whom 

4  I  am  chief.' — c  Thine  I  am,  O  Jesus,  and  on  thy 
4  side,  thou  Son  of  God!' — 4  Blessed  be  he  that 
4  cometh  in   the  name  of  the  Lord  to  save  us; 
4  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David!  Hosanna  in  the 
4  highest!' 

Beelzebub,  nevertheless,  attempted  to  support 
himself  by  his  numbers:  but,  his  cause  being  tried, 
it  was  found  that  all  the  fair  and  legal  votes  were  lor 
Jesus  Christ.  And  Beelzebub,  and  all  his  obstinate 
adherents,  were,  for  their  villanies,  committed  to 
perpetual  imprisonment,  in  a  lake  which  burns  with 
lire  and  brimstone,  where  they  have  no  rest  day  nor- 


SELECT    REMAINS. 


8$ 


night,  but  are  tormented  in  the  presence  of  the  holy- 
angels,  and  of  the  Lamb* 


TRACT  XL 

State  of  Britain's  Debt  to  God. 

Finding  that  amidst  all  their  pretensions  of  re* 
gard  to  the  British  constitution,  and  concern  for  the 
indebted  and  dangerous  state  of  the  nation,  neither 
old  nor  new  ministry  had  in  the  least  adverted,  to  the 
extensive  accounts  between  us  and  our  God,  I  pre- 
sumed to  give  them  some,  (alas !  too  little)  serious 
consideration ;  and  find  that  we  stand  infinitely  deep 
in  debt  to  his  rich  mercy,  for  favours  innumerable 
received  from  him,  and  to  his  avenging  justice,  for 
innumerable  provocations  committed  against  him. 
Of  the  first  sort  are, 

I.  The  infinitely  precious  blessings  of  redemption 
through  Christ:  such  as,  (l)  God's  gracious  thoughts 
.in  his  electing  purpose  and  covenant  of  grace,  Psalm 
xxxvi.  23.  xl.  5.  lxxxix.  3,4,  19 — 37.  Prov.  viii. 
2o — 31.  fea.  liii.  10.  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Tit.  i.  2.  (2)  God's 
preparing  the  way  for  his  Son's  coming  into  our 
world,  by  visions,  types,  promises,  and  marvellous 
providences;  Heb.  i.  1.  ix.  x.  1.  xi.  10.  Col.  ii.  17. 
Acts  x.  43.  Rom.  iii.  21.  (3)  The  actual  appear- 
ance of  the  Son  of  God  in  our  nature,  Isa.  vii.  14. 
ix.  6.  xi.  1.  Jer.  xxiii.  5.  xxxi.  22.  Zech.  iii.  8.  Matt, 
i.  17—25.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  John  i. 
14.  (4)  The  great  God  in  our  nature  made  under 
the  broken  covenant  of  works,  fulfilling  all  righteous- 
ness of  obedience  and  satisfaction  for  men ,  2  Cor. 


90  SELECT    REMAINS* 

viii.  9.  v.  21.  Matt.  iii.  15.  v.  18.  xx.  28.  Luke 
xxiv.   26.   Dan.  ix.  24.   Gal.  iii.   15.   Eph.  v.   2, 

1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  ii.  24.  iii.  18.  1  John  ii.  1,  2.  iv. 
3.  v.  8.  iv.  9,  10.  (5)  God's  accepting  of  this  righ- 
teousness of  his  Son  in  our  stead,  and  rewarding  him 
for  it  to  our  everlasting  advantage,  1  Tim.  iii.  16. 
Isa.  1.  8.  Iii.  13 — 15.  liii.  10 — 12.  Rom.  iv.  25. 
Psal.  lxviii.  18.  Col.  i.  19.  Phil.  iv.  19.  1  Pet.  i. 
20,  21.  Heb.  ii.  10.  iv.  14 — 16.  (6)  Christ's 
laying  out  himself  in  the  whole  of  the  work  of  his 
glorified  state,  to  promote  our  eternal  salvation,  by 
continual  intercession,  instruction,  and  government, 
John  xiv.  19.  Rom.  viii.  32 — 34.  Heb.  vii.  25. 
John  xiv.  26.  xv.  26.  xvi.  7 — 14.  Matth.  xxviii.  18. 
—20.  Ephes.  iv.  10—13.  Psal.  ex.  1—3.  (7)  The 
publication  and  free  offers  of  Christ,  and  his  pur- 
chased salvation  to  sinful  men,  in  the  gospel,  Mark 
xvi.  15.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  Hi.  8.  Ephes.  iii.  8.  i.  13.  Acts 
xiii.  26.  Rom.  xv.  19.  Col.  i.  26,  27.  (8)  God's 
erecting  a  church  or  new  covenant-society  of  sinful 
men  on  earth.  Gen.  xvii.  7.  Exod.  xix.  5,  6. 
Matt.  xvi.  18.  Ephes.  ii.  18 — 22.  iv.  8 — 13.  Rev. 
viii.  9.  xi.  15.  (9)  God's  blessing  men  with  all  spiri- 
tual blessings,  regeneration,  justification,  adoption, 
sanctification,  and  comfort  in  Christ,  on  this  earth, 
Ephes.  i.  5.  ii.  5.   1  Cor.  i.  30.  Col.  ii.   10.  iii.  11. 

2  Cor.  v.  17 — 21.  Ezekiel  xxxvi.  25 — 29.  (10)  The 
eternal  glorification  of  men  through  Christ  in 
heaven,  Ephes.  ii.  4 — 7.  John  xii.  26.  xiv.  2,  3. 
xvii.  24.  Psal.  lxxiii.  24,  26.  xvi.  10,  11.  xvii.  15. 
1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Isa.  xiv.  17.  Ix.  19.  Rev.  xxi. 
xxii. 

II.  In  subordination  to  the  above  great  and  pre- 
cious bit  ssings  of  redemption,  there  are  multitudes 
of  personal  mercies,  for  which  every  one  in  Britain 
doth  or  ought  to  stand  indebted  to  God:  as,  (l) 
Being  born  in  a  land  ox  gospel  light,  Prov.  xxix.  18* 


SELECT    REMAINS.  91 

Eph.  ii.  12,  19.  (2)  Being  descended  of  Godly  pa- 
rents, Exod.  xv.  1.  (3)  Being  early  and  seriously 
devoted  to  the  Lord,  in  baptism,  and  in  often  repeat- 
ed fervent  prayers,  Psal.  xxii  10.  (4)  Early  instruc- 
tion in  the  knowledge  of  Christian  principles  by  pa- 
rents, masters,  ministers,  or  others,  Prov.  i.  vii.  xxxi. 
Gen.  viii.  19.  Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  2  Tim.  iii.  15.  (5) 
God's  providential  hedging  up  of  his  elect  to  serious 
concern  for  their  souls,  Hos.  ii.  6,  7,  14.  Ezek.  xx» 
37.  Lament,  iii.  27 — 29.  Job  xxxiii.  15 — 30.  (6) 
His  convictions  of  our  conscience  and  allurements 
of  our  affections,   by  the   strivings   of  his   Spirit, 

1  Samuel  ii.  26.  iii.  1 — 10.  2  Chron.  xxxiv.  3.  (7) 
Our  being  brought  into  a  state  of  saving  union  to, 
and  fellowship  with  Christ,  1  Kings  xiv.  13.  1  Cor. 
xv.  8.  Gal.  i.  15,  16.  John  iii.  3,  5.  (8)  Our  preser- 
vation from  offensive  stumbling  in,  or  out  of,  the 
Lord's  way,  Psal.  lxxi.  17,  18.  Isa.  xlvi.  3,4,  (9) 
Gracious  visits  from  Christ  and  his  Spirit  to  our 
souls,  Gen.  xlviii.  3.  Psal.  xxxiv.  6.  xl.  1 — 3.  cxvi. 
1 — 7.    (10)  Well  grounded  hopes  of  eternal  life, 

2  Tim.  i.  12.  iv.  7,  8.  Psalm  lxxiii.  24 — 26. 

III.  We  are  indebted  to  him  for  multitudes  of 
family  mercies:  as  (l)  His  wonderfully  preserving 
the  members,  notwithstanding  their  many  dangers, 
particularly  in  childhood,  Acts  xvii.  28.  Psal.  ixvi. 
9.  (2)  His  kind  maintenance  or  restoration  of  health, 
Exod.  xv.  26.  (3)  His  providing  agreeable  relations, 
husbands,  wives,  parents,  children,  servants,  neigh- 
bours, Psal.  cvii.  41.  Ixviii.  6.  cxliv.  12.  (4)  Peace 
and  order  in  families,  Prov.  xxxi.  (5)  Piety  and  de- 
votion, that  make  the  house  a  church,  Psal.  ci.  Josh, 
xxiv.  15.  Gen.  xviii.  19.  2  John  iv.  Philem.  ii. 
Col.  iv.  15.  Rom.  xvi.  5.  Acts  x.  2.  xvi.  34.  (6) 
Provision  of  convenient  food,  raiment,  and  other 
temporal  accommodations,  Deut.  viii.  16.  Isa.  xxxiii.. 
17.  Acts  xiv.  17.  xvii.  25.  1  Tim.  vi.  17.   (7)  Pro- 


92  SELECT   REMAINS. 

tectlon  from  dangers,  Deut.  xxxiii.  25 — 29.  Psal. 
xci.  1 — 10.  (8)  Seasonable,  and  especially  sanctified, 
afflictions,  Ps.  xciv.  12.  Heb.  xii.  5 — 11.  Rev.  in. 
19.  (9)  A  pleasant  prospect  of  a  seed  for  the  Lord 
Christ  trained  up  in  the  family,  Isa.  xliv.  3 — 5.  Gen. 
xvii.  7.  Jer.  xxxi.  1.  Isa."  lix.  21.  (10)  When 
deaths  in  families  are  not  only  so  ordered,  as  to  in- 
crease love  and  friendship  among  the  survivors,  but 
even  to  awaken  their  consciences,  and  stir  them  up 
to  seek  and  follow  the  Lord,  2  Kings  iv.  1.  with  Is* 
lvii.  1. 

IV.  We  are  indebted  to  him  for  a  multitude  of 
publick  national  mtrctes:  as  (l)  His  ancient  gracious 
purpose?,  <;nd  his  many  express  promises,  concern- 
ing the  islands  and  the  ends  of  the  earth  j  which  we 
now  see  to  have  peculiarly  respected  Britain ;  and  on 
which  we  may  plead  for  mercy  in  every  time  of  need ; 
Isa.  xxiv.  15.  xlii.  4, 10,  12.  xlix.  1.  li.  5.  Ix.  9.  lxvi. 
19.  xlv.  22.  Psai.  xxii.  27 — 31.  lxv.  5.  lxxii.  8,  10. 
— with  2  Pet.  i.  4.  Heb.  iv.  1.  (2)  His  early  intro- 
duction of  the  gospel  of  salvation  into  Britain,  about 
forty  years  after  Christ's  death ;  and  not  long  after 
into  the  north  parts  of  it,  notwithstanding  its  distance 
from  Jerusalem,  and  notwithstanding  the  poverty, 
and  dreadful  barbarity,  and  savage  customs  of  our 
ancestors,  Isa.  lxvi.  19.  (3)  His  thereafter  con- 
tinuing the  gospel  light  and  Christian  church  in  this 
island,  notwithstanding  cruel  persecutions  by  the 
heathen  inhabitants,  and  notwithstanding  the  dread- 
ful and  long-continued  ravages  of  the  Saxons,  and  all 
the  craft,  cruelty,  error,  profligacy,  idolatry,  and  su- 
perstition of  the  papists,  for  more  than  fourteen  hun- 
dred years,  Psai.  exxxii.  13, 14.  (4)  His  reformation 
of  the  countr\r  from  popery  about  the  middle  of  the 
sixteenth  century,  notwithstanding  all  the  exorbitant 
\  er  and  wealth  of  the  Romish  clergy,  pnd  all  the 
gross  ignorance,  superstitious  inclinations  and  profli- 


SELECT   REMAINS.  93 

gacy  of  the  people — and  notwithstanding  all  the  ca- 
price of  king  Henry  VIII.  and  the  cruelty  of  queen 
Mary  in  England,  and  all  that  the  house  of  Guise 
and  courts  of  France  and  Scotland  could  do  to  oppose 
it,  Zech.  iv.  6,  7.     While  the  more  strict  and  faith- 
ful party  in  England  were  marvellously  supported 
under  the  persecution  which    they  suffered  from 
queen  Elizabeth  and  her  agents,  those  in  Scotland 
were    enabled,    amidst    great  poverty  and    mani- 
fold oppositions,  to  carry  the  reformation  of  their 
church  to  a  remarkable  degree  of  purity  and  order, 
Deut.  xxxiii.  25.  2  Chron.xiv.il.    (6)  Notwith- 
standing all  that  king  James  and  Charles  his  son 
could  do,  by  alterations  of  the  Scotch  church,  by  cor- 
respondence with  popes,  by  courtship  or  marriage 
with  papists,  by  authorizing  sports  on  the  Lord's 
day,  by  high  commissions,  and  by  imprisonments, 
banishments,  or  tortures,  he  enabled  his  faithful 
ministers  and  people  to  cleave  to  his  truths*  and 
made  even  their  persecutions  a  means  of  their  subse- 
quent deliverance,  Rev.  xi.  3.  Dan.  xi.  32,  33.   (7) 
Amidst  no  small  confusions,  civil  wars,  and  no  doubt 
many  selfish  designs  of  political  managers,  he,  be- 
tween 1638  and  1660,  not  only  laid  the  foundation 
of  our  civil  liberties,  but  also  furnished  the  nations 
with  a  multitude  of  pious  and  laborious  ministers, 
whose  faithful  preaching  of  the  gospel  he  blessed  to 
the  conviction,  conversion,  or  edification,  of  perhaps 
millions  of  souls ;  and  produced  such  an  appearance 
of  serious  godliness  and  devotion,  throughout  the 
most  of  the  island,  as  was  never  before  nor  since 
known  in  it,  Dan.  ix.  25.  Hos.  ii.  6,  7,  14.  v.  15.  v^. 
1 — 3.  (8)  Notwithstanding  all  the  shocking  protane- 
ness,  blasphemous  oaths  and  bonds,  and  cruel  perse- 
cutions, introduced  by  king  Charles  II.  and  con- 
tinued by  James  his  brother,  the  Lord  enabled  mul- 
titudes of  his  people  to  be  faithful  unto  fines,  impri- 
sonments, banishments,  tortures  and  death,  Zech*  x. 
I 


94  SELECT   REMAINS- 

8,  9.  Matt.  x.  19.  Johnxvi.  33.  Zeph.  iii.  12, 18, 19. 
(9)  At  the  revolution,  when  all  things  were  prepared 
for  the  establishment  of  popery  and  slavery,  he 
wrought  a  marvellous  deliverance,  and  made  the  ve- 
ry seas,  winds,  and  storms,  as  well  as  a  branch  of  our 
enslavers'  roots,  to  fight  for  the  re -establishment  of 
our  protestant  religion  and  liberties,  Deut.  xxxii.  36. 
Psal.  xciv.  12 — 15.  cxxxv.  14.  (10)  When  popish 
pretenders  to  the  crown,  by  assassinations,  invasions, 
and  rebellions,  of  Jacobites,  have  repeatedly  attempt- 
ed to  overthrow  our  religion  and  liberties,  he  hath 
always  defeated  their  attempts,  and  made  them  de- 
structive to  themselves,  Isa.  vii.  5 — 7.  viii.  12,  15. 
(11)  When  the  gospel  doctrines  of  the  free  grace  of 
God,  reigning  through  the  imputed  righteousness  of 
Christ,  were  fearfully  buried,  perverted,  or  mixed  by 
the  general  prevalence  of  Arminian  or  Neomian  er- 
rors, the  Lord,  by  means  of  Mr.  Hervey  and  others 
in  England,  and  by  means  of  Boston,  the  seceders, 
and  others,  in  Scotland,  revived  and  spread  them 
into  many  dark  places  of  the  islands,  to  the  conver- 
sion and  edification  of  multitudes,  Ezra  ix.  8,  9. 
Isa.  lix.  19.  (12)  The  late  peace,  after  a  most  ruin- 
ous, and  perhaps  on  all  hands  a  most  unnecessary 
and  sinful  war,  he  not  only  granted  us,  but  mercifully 
timed  it  for  the  preservation  of  many  thousands  from 
perishing  by  the  famine  ;  the  corn  provided  for  the 
army,  supplying  many  in  want ;  and  the  ships  which 
brought  victuals  from  abroad,  having  a  free  and  safe 
passage.  Mean  while  a  generosity  in  providing  for 
the  poor,  never  before  known,  at  least,  in  North  Bri- 
tain, remarkably  prevailed,  Gen.  xxii.  14. 

Hath  Britain  rendered  unto  the  Lord  according  to 
these,  and  innumerable  other  benefits  which  he  hath 
bestowed  upon  her?  No :  but  by  crimes  innumerable, 
and  highly  aggravated,  hath  plunged  herselt  into  an 
infinite  debt  to  his  avenging  justice  by  (1)  General 


SELECT    REMAINS.  95 

misimprovcment  of  his  mercies,  in  forgetting,  under- 
valuing, and  contemning  them ;  by  abusing  them  as 
means  or  occasions  of  wickedness,  and  spurning 
away  and  treading  under  foot  such  as  are  of  a  spiri- 
tual nature,  Psal.  cvi.  13.  (2)  Gross  atheism  and  ig- 
norance of  God  and  of  his  word  and  works,  that  nei- 
ther law  nor  gospel,  nor  the  most  common  and  ne- 
cessary points  of  truth,  are  understood  or  studied  by 
millions,  Eph.  iv.  18.  Isa.  xxvii.  11.  Hos.  iv.  1, 2, 6. 
(3)  Proud  and  unbelieving  contempt  and  rejection 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  his  great  salvation  offered  in  the 
gospel,  John  i.  11.  Heb.  ii.  3.  x.  29.  (4)  Contempt 
and  neglect  of  the  precious  ordinances  of  the  gospel, 
not  receiving  them,  not  observing  and  keeping  them 
pure  and  entire,  as  means  of  communion  with  and 
conformity  to  Christ ;  but,  instead  thereof,  living  as 
brute  beasts,  without  either  secret  or  private  daily 
worship  of  God,  and  even  much  absenting  from  his 
publick  worship,  fearfully  profaning  his  sacraments, 
Isa.  lxiii.  22.  Jer.  x.  25.  Heb.  x.  25.  (5)  Fearful  pro- 
fanation of  God's  name,  by  swearing  of  broad  or 
minced  oaths  in  common  conversation,  and  by  im- 
posing unnecessary  or  sinful  oaths,  or  by  dispensing 
and  taking  these  or  other  oaths  in  a  profane,  light, 
and  careless  manner,  Ex.  xx.  7.  Zech.  v.  3,  4.  Jer. 
xxviii.  10.  Hos.  iv.  2.  x.  4.  and  by  breach  of  sacra- 
mental and  other  solemn  vows  to  God,  Prov.  xxx. 
25.  (6)  Notorious  profanation  of  the  sabbath,  in 
omitting  the  religious  exercises  of  it,  and  spending 
it  as  a  season  of  idleness,  wickedness,  or  worjdly 
employments  and  recreations,  Ezek.  xxii.  26.  Jer. 
xvii.  27.  (7)  General  impiety  of  rulers  both  in 
church  and  state.  Civil  rulers  are  not,  as  they  ought 
to  be,  men  fearing  God  and  hating  covetousness, 
Exod.  xviii.  21,  but  such  as  by  bribes,  influence,  or 
the  like  can  push  themselves  into  honour ;  and  too 
often  clergymen  are  such  as  run  unsent  by  Christ, 
and  neither  understand  nor  love  the  gospel  of  his 


96  SELECT    REMAINS. 

grace,  nor  have  conversation  becoming  it;  but  ad- 
dict themselves  to  plays  and  romances  intead  of  their 
Bible  ;  have  scarcely  a  shadow  of  the  daily  worship  of 
God  either  in  secret  or  in  their  families,  but  spend 
much  of  their  time  in  improper  diversions,  or  in 
familiarity  with  graceless  great  men,  Isa.  i.  21,  23. 
ix.  16.  lvi.  10 — 12.  Jer.  v.  5,  7,  8.  Ezek.  xxix.  24 — 
28.  Mic.  iii.  Hos.  vi.  1.  (8)  Shocking  murder  of 
multitudes  of  precious  souls  under  Charles  II.  and 
James  his  brother — of  infants  by  unnatural  parents, 
— of  duellers  by  venting  their  pride — of,  I  suppose, 
about  twelve  or  fourteen  millions  of  poor  heathens, 
in  carrying  on  the  East- India  settlements  and  the 
African  slave-trade — and  of  I  know  not  how  many 
millions  of  precious  souls  by  the  bad  examples  of 
magistrates,  ministers,  parents  and  masters,  and  their 
carelessness  about  those  under  their  respective  charg- 
es, Hos.  iv.  2.  Ezek.  xxii.  3,  6,  9,  12,  13,  45.  xxiv. 
7,  23.  Matt,  xxiii.  34,  35.  (9)  Drunkenness  and 
gluttony — many  making  their  eating  and  drinking, 
and  their  care  about  them,  the  principal  business  of 
their  life ;  and  even  wasting  their  precious  time,  and 
ruining  their  bodily  and  intellectual  constitution 
thereby,  Pro  v.  xxiii.  21,  29,  30.  Eccl.  x,  16,  17. 
Isa.  xxviii.  1.  (10)  Uncleanness,  fornication,  adul- 
tery, &c. — many,  particularly  those  of  rank,  rather 
seeming  to  prosecute,  and  glory  in  such  wickedness, 
as  an  honourable  accomplishment,  while  magistrates 
generally  neglect  to  punish,  and  church  rulers  to 
censure  the  same,  Hos.  iv.  2,  11.  vii.  4.  Mai.  iii.  5. 
Jer.  v.  7 — 9.  (11)  Dishonesty,  theft,  robbery,  prodi- 
gality, fraudulent  bankruptcies,  over-reaching  in  bar- 
gains, oppression,  extortion,  bribery,  and  the  like, 
Hos.  iv.  2.  Zech.  v.  4.  Mic.  ii.  iii.  vii.  2 — 5.  Isa.  i. 
23.  Ezek.  xxii.  12,  27.  Amos.  v.  12,  viii.  4,  5,  6» 
(12)  Lying,  falsehood,  deceit,  dissimulation,  un- 
faithfulness to  promises  or  trusts,  reviling,  backbi- 
ting, slander,  perjury,  misrepresentation  of  causes  in 


SELECT   REMAINS.  97 

judicature,  &c.  Hos.  iv.  2.  Jer.  ix.  2 — 8.  Isa.  I'm. 
4,  8,  13, 14,  15.  Mic.  vii.  2 — 5.  (13)  Covetousness, 
envy,  uncharitableness,  discontentment,  and  an  inor- 
dinate inclination  and  study  to  push  ourselves  into 
the  honours,  property,  or  trade,  of  our  neighbours, 
Jer.  v.  8.  Mic.  v.  2.  Hab.  ii.  9. 

These  are  a  few  of  the  leading  articles  of  Britain's 
debt  to  her  God.  The  value  must  be  stated  from 
the  greatness  of  God,  the  holiness  and  authority  of 
his  law,  and  worth  of  his  Son,  and  the  infinite  impor- 
tance of  an  eternity  either  in  heaven  or  hell.  How 
infatuated  then  must  we  be  in  makiug  such  work 
about  hundreds  of  millions  owing  to  men,  and  yet 
overlooking  so  many  infinite  sums  owing  to  our 
Maker  and  Judge,  and  neglecting  to  have  them  hap- 
pily discharged  by  an  application  of  Jesus's  blood, 
which  purchaseth  all  mercies,  and  cleanseth  from 
all  sin ! 


TRACT  XII. 

BritairCs  Sole  Preservative. 

Let  our  political  managers  project  what  schemes 
they  will,  for  the  reformation  and  salvation  of  our 
nation  they  will  but  issue  in  vanity  and  vexation 
of  spirit.  The  Lord  hath  rejected  their  confidencies, 
and  they  shall  not  prosper  in  them.  Nothing  but  a 
remarkable  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit  of  God  can 
prevent  our  superlative  miseries,  answerable  to  our 
heaven-daring  national  iniquities.  As  no  civil  so- 
cieties have  any  existence  in  the  future  state,  nation- 
al sins  must  of  necessity  be  punished  with  national 
I  2 


93  SELECT   REMAINS, 

judgements  in  this  world,  Jer.  v.  9,  29.  Hos.  iv.  1— 
3.  Isa;  xxiv.  5,  6,  (l)  The  Jewish  nation,  to  whose 
mercies  and  crimes  those  of  Britain  are  peculiarly 
similar  in  different  ages,  were  shut  up  to  fearful 
judgements,  for  want  of  an  effusion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Not  all  the  faithfulness  of  Moses,  their 
other  governours,  nor  all  the  piety  of  Aaron  and  his 
sons,  and  of  the  faithful  Levites  in  their  church,  nor 
all  the  laws  they  received  from  God  himself,  and  the 
innumerable  miracles  which  they  saw  and  felt,  could 
preserve  that  sensual  generation,  destitute  of  the  Spi- 
rit, from  tremendous  ruin  in  the  wilderness.  Not 
all  the  fervent  prayers  and  faithful  sermons  of  Isaiah 
and  his  fellow  prophets,  nor  all  the  remarkable  re- 
formation carried  on  by  pious  king  Hezekiah,  could 
prevent  the  miserable  calamities  of  the  Jews  in  their 
time,  as  the  Spirit  was  not  poured  out.  Nay,  not  all 
the  labours  and  miracles  of  Christ  himself  and  of  his 
apostles,  and  the  pious  lives  and  fervent  prayers  of 
many  thousand  Christian  Jews,  could,  without  the 
pouring  of  the  Spirit  on  them,  prevent  the  tremend- 
ous ruin  of  their  nation  in  that  period.  Why  then 
shouM  we  hope  for  deliverance  by  any  other  method  ? 
Dare  we  pretend  that  we  are  clearer  to  God  than  his 
peculiar  people,  the  seed  of  Abraham,  his  friend? 
(i)  The  sins  of  Britain  at  present  are  so  great,  many, 
universal,  heaven  daring,  heart-hardening,  and  con- 
science stupifying,  and,  in  every  respect,  so  aggra- 
vated, that  the  nation  can  neither  be  duly  convinced 
of  them,  nor  the  blood  of  Christ  answerably  applied 
for  the  remission  of  them,  without  a  remarkable  ef- 
fusion of  the  Holy  Ghost,  John  xvi.  7 — 14.  Ezek. 
xxxvi.  25 — 29,  31,  32.  Mic.  vii.  18,  19.  (o)  The 
wicked  manners  of  Britain  have  been  so  long  conti- 
nued, and  are  become  so  universal  and  fashionable, 
and  are  so  much  encouraged  by  such  as  should  be 
reprovers  and  reformers — and  men's  consciences 
thereby  so  much  blinded,  biased,  or  hardened,  that 


SELECT    REMAIN**  99, 

there  can  be  no  national  reformation  of  them,  with- 
out a  remarkable  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
Hos.  iv.  1,  2,  6.  I«a.  i.  2,  3,4,  5.  lix.  1 — 15.  Ivii.  17. 
Jer.  v.  1 — 9.  (4)  So  many  thousands  of  unsent, 
careless,  indolent,  unholy,  and  erroneous  preachers 
in  Britain,  by  their  legal,  Arminian,  or  blasphemous 
doctrine,  and  by  their  impious  and  unedifying  ex- 
ample, lay  a  fearful  bar  in  the  way  of  all  the  ordina- 
ry work  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  Hos.  v.  1.  Gal.  iii.  2« 
Ezek.  xiii.  22. 

But,  notwithstanding  all  these  things,  an  abundant 
effusion  of  the  Holy  Ghost  would  prevent  our  super- 
lative ruin.  (1)  It  would  excite  and  enable  all  the 
fearers  of  God,  in  the  nation,  to  strive  together  in 
prayer  for  our  preservation  and  proper  relief,  Zech. 
xii.  10.  Isa.  lxii.  1,  6,  7.  Ps.  cii.  17.  (2)  In  conse- 
quence of  this,  it  would  furnish  our  land  with  a  pro- 
per number  of  well  qualified  ministers,  who,  having 
received  their  mission  from  Christ,  would  clearly, 
faithfully,  assiduously,  and  earnestly  preach  the  gos- 
pel of  his  free  grace,  and  by  fervent  prayer,  holy  ex- 
ample, and  every  other  method,  travail  in  birth  to 
win  souls  to  him,  Jer.  iii.  15.  Isa.  lxii.  6,  7.  Psal. 
cxxxii.  9,  16.  John  xx.  21 — 23.  Eph.  iv.  10 — 13. 
(3)  It  would  furnish  these  faithful  ministers  with 
proper  messages  from  God,  suited  to  his  own  gra- 
cious purposes,  and  to  the  spiritual  state  of  the  hear- 
ers, and  would  enable  them  to  deliver  them  in  a 
lively,  serious,  and  affecting  manner,  Ezek,  iii.  3,  4, 
10,  11,  17 — 21.  xxxiii.  7 — 9.  Mic.  iii.  8.  Acts  xviii. 
25,  28.  Col.  i.  28,  29.  1  Thess.  ii.  4,  5.  1  Cor.  iii 
2 — 5, 13.  iv.  2.  2  Cor.  iv.  2.  v.  11,  22.  2  Tim.  iv.  2. 
Acts  xx.  19 — 21,  26,  27.  (4)  It  would  procure  large 
and  attentive  audiences  to  hear  these  faithful  minis- 
ters, Acts  ii.  xiii.  xviii.  xix.  1  Cor.  xvi.  9.  Acts  xvju* 
14.  Isa.  xlix.  1.  Iii.  15.  (5)  It  would,  in  carrying 
home  the  word  of  God  into  men's  consciences  aad 


100  SELECT    REMAINS. 

hearts,  convey  to  them  the  spiritual  benefits  of  the 
new  covenant — conviction  of  sin,  union  to  Christ, 
regeneration,  justification,  adoption,  sanctification, 
and  comfort,  Luke  v.  17.  John  vi.  63.  Heb.  iv.  12. 
1  Thess.  i.  5.  ii.  13.  Acts  ii.  36 — 47.  (6)  It  would 
incline,  direct,  and  enable  those  ministers  and  people 
to  such  an  holy  conversation  towards  God  and  men, 
as  would  adorn  and  enforce  the  preached  gospel  of 
Christ,  and  make  others  to  consider  and  fall  in  love 
with  it,  1  Thess.  ii.  1 — 10.  v.  12 — 25.  Rom.  i.  8. 
Acts  ii.  41 — 47.  iv.  13.  Phil.  ii.  15,  16.  Matt.  v.  16. 
Tit.  ii.  9 — 14.  iii.  8, 14.  Psal.  ci,  2 — 8.  (7)  It  would 
render  all  ranks,  in  their  respective  stations,  active 
and  skilful  in  spreading  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and 
his  truths,  and  in  repressing  the  now  fashionable 
abominations,  Gen.  xviii.  19.  Josh.  xxiv.  15.  Deut. 
vi.  6,  7.  Mai.  iii.  16.  Psal.  ci.  2.  Chron.  xvii.  xix. 
xxix — xxxii.  xxxiv.  xxxv.  Song  ii.  15.  Tit.  iii.  10, 
11.  Rev.  ii.  1  Thess.  v.  14.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  1  Tim.  v. 
20.  (8)  By  enabling  multitudes  to  discern  truth  from 
error,  and  sin  from  duty  it  would  render  unsound 
and  indolent  ministers  despised  and  shum  ed  as  fear- 
ful plagues,  and  vile  impious  persons  abhorred,  and 
so  ashamed  to  exert  themselves  in  their  wonted  evil 
ways.  Zech.  xiii.  2 — 6.  Psal.  cxv.  4.  cvii.  42.  1  Sam. 
ii.  30.  (9)  By  means  of  these  things,  together  with 
the  fervent  prayers  of  such  as  believed  in  Christ,  of 
fell  under  spiritual  concern,  many  others  would  be 
daily  added  to  the  Lord  and  to  his  church,  Isa.  lxii. 
1.  2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Isa.  ii.  3 — 5.  xlix.  liv.  Ix.  xliv.  3— • 
5.  Zech.  viii.  20 — 23.  (10)  In  consequence  of  all 
this,  the  Lord  would  graciously  defer,  mitigate,  or 
sanctify  those  fearful  calamities  which  our  nation  in 
general,  and  each  of  us  in  particular,  have  richly  de- 
served, Isa.  xlviii.  9 — 11.  vi.  13.  Zeph.  iii.  12.  Dan. 
ix.  25.  Zech.  xiii.  9. 

Let  therefore  every  Briton,  that  wishes  well  to  his 


SELECT    REMAINS.  101 

country,  cease  from  trusting  in  men,  and  their  carnal 
and  selfish  politicks,  and  cry  mightily  to  God,  that  he 
may  think  on  us,  that  we  perish  not ;  that  he  may 
plentifully  pour  out  his  Spirit  from  on  high  upon  all 
ranks.  Let  us  plead  the  gracious  promises  which  he 
hath  given  us  on  this  head,  and  patiently  wait  for 
their  fulfilment,  Prov.  i.  23.  Isa.  xxxii.  15.  xliv.  3 — 
5.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  Joel  ii.  28.  John  vii.  37 — 39. 
xiv.  26.  xv.  26.  xvi.  7 — 14.  Zech.  xii.  10.  Luke 
xi.  13. 


TRACTJMII. 

Christ  the  best  Minister  of  State.. 

Upon  our  sovereign's  advancing  his  present 
young  minister,  while  multitudes  strive  who  shall 
most  condemn  or  defend  the  British  premier,  let  me 
turn  mine  eyes,  my  heart,  and  my  tongue  toward 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  the  Majesty  of  heaven  hath 
committed  all  judgement,  and  given  all  power  and 
fulness  in  heaven  and  on  earth.  Unless  for  an  intro- 
duction to  a  better  subject,  it  is  not  much  worth  my 
while  to  think  or  speak  of  British  managers  of  state. 
Grey  hairs  assure  me,  that  I  shall  soon  be  put  out  of 
their  reach,  with  respect  to  both  their  good  and  their 
evil.  But,  blessed  be  God,  I  hope  never  to  be  out  of 
the  beneficent  reach  of  the  administrator  of  the  new 
covenant!  And  whether  I  look  backward  or  forward 
on  his  administrations,  in  earth  or  in  heaven,  I  find 
them  all  full  of  infinite  wisdom,  condescension,  faith- 
fulness, mercy,  and  love.  The  more  I  know  of  him, 
or  deal  with  him,  my  apprehensions  of  him  are  the 
more  exalted  and  heart-engaging.    When  his  eternal 


102  SELECT    REMAINS. 

Father  chose  and  appointed  him  to  his  office,  he  ask- 
ed no  lucrative  salary,  but  the  eternal  salvation  of 
his  elect  enemies  of  mankind ;  nay  he  undertook  to, 
give  his  life  a  ransom  for  us,  pay  all  our  infinite  debt 
and  supply  all  our  unbounded  wants.  No  sooner 
had  sin  rundered  us  miserable  in  Adam,  than  he  be- 
gan, and  for  four  thousand  years  continued,  to  inti- 
mate his  gracious  designs  in  different  forms,  to  bind 
himself  by  great  and  precious  promises,  and  to  bestow 
manifold  blessings  on  sinful  men ;  yea  and  all  of  these 
were  but  presages  of  blessings  far  greater  to  be  af- 
terwards bestowed. 

When  the  fulness  of  time  came,  such  was  his  grace, 
4  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he  be- 
4  came  poor,  that  we$irough  his  poverty  might  be 
;  made  rich.' — 4  He  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
4  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom  for 
4  many.'  By  wearing  the  likeness  of  sinful' flesh, 
by  being  made  under  the  broken  law,  made  sin,  made 
a  curse  for  us,  and  by  his  perfect  obedience  to  every 
precept ;  and  by  his  enduring  poverty,  hunger,  thirst, 
weariness,  reproach,  temptation,  desertion,  persecu- 
tion, and  an  ignominous  death,  he  fully  paid  our 
debt,  magnified  the  law  and  made  it  honourable,  and 
purchased  our  eternal  happiness.  His  infinitely  va- 
luable righteousness  he  hath  consigned  to  the  hand 
of  the  just  and  righteous  Jehovah,  as  an  inexhausta- 
ble  fund  of  pardon,  acceptance,  grace  and  glory  to 
men.  In  him  men  shall  be  blessed ;  and  because  he 
lives  they  shall  live  also.  '  If  we  sin,  we  have  an 
4  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righte- 
*  ous,  who  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins.  Who 
4  then  can  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect? 
4  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he  that  con»- 
4  demneth ;  It  is  Christ  that  died,  nay  rather,  who 
4  is  risen  again,  and  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
4  making  continual  intercession  for  us.'     Therefore 


SELECT    REMAINS.  *03 

now  there  is  no  condemnation  to  them  that  are  in 
Christ  Jesus.  We  are  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
him.  The  price  being  delivered  into  his  hand,  Je- 
hovah must  bestow  the  purchased  blessings  on  men. 
If  we  ask  the  Father  any  mercy  in  Jesus's  name,  he 
will,  he  must,  grant  it.  He  is  faithful  and  just  to 
forgive  our  sins,  cleanse  our  natures,  and  fill  us  with 
grace  and  with  glory. 

To  render  the  communication  more  honourable  to 
himself,  and  more  sweet  to  us,  it  hath  pleased  the 
Father  that  in  Christ  all  fulness  should  dwell.     '  He 

*  hath  received  gifts  for  men,  yea  for  the  rebellious 

*  also,  that  the  Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them, 
'  and  daily  load  them  with  his  benefits.'  God  in 
love  to  him  hath  delivered  all  -things  into  his  hand, 
and  given  him  power  over  aUippi,  that  he  may  give 
eternal  life  to  as  many  as  he  win;  His  darling  maxim 
is,  '  That  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.' 
His  liberal  heart  deviseth  liberal  things,  and  by  libe- 
ral things  his  glory  stands.  From  eternity  to  eter- 
nity, he  never  thinks  of  imposing  one  hard  assess- 
ment on  poor  and  needy  men,  but  how  to  save  and 
bless  them,  and  to  feed  them,  and  lift  them  up  for 
ever.  When  he  opens  his  budget,  nothing  is  to  be 
seen  or  heard  but  mercies,  mercies  and  loving  kind- 
nesses for  ever  and  ever;  sure  mercies  of  David; 
blessings  of  Abraham?  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises  of  eternal  life — of  Christ  and  his  Spirit — 
of  all  the  fulness  of  God,  given,  freely  given,  unto 
sinful  men.  Instead  of  squeezing  collectors  and  ex- 
cise-men, his  officers  are  appointed  to  go  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  of  salvation  to  every 
creature — to  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ,  and  to  call  and  entreat 
sinners,  to  take  them  freely  without  money  and  with- 
out price.     Alas!  that,  instead  of  Christ's  evange- 


104  SELECT    REMAINS. 

lists,  Britain  should  be  so  overspread  with  legal  and 
Arminian  tax-demanders ! 

Under  our  blessed  minister  of  state,  how  freely  we 
enjoy  all  things !  Our  marriage  with  the  Son  of  God 
is  free.  He  is  God's  free  gift  to  us.  We  are  be- 
trothed to  him  in  loving  kindness  and  mercies.  Our 
receipts  and  notes  of  obligation  are  free.  We  are 
justified  freely  by  his  grace,  and  are  accepted  in  him 
to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace.  Our  charters 
and  rights  are  altogether  free — given  promises,  an 
everlasting  covenant  but  to  us,  even  sure  mercies  of 
which  thji  is  the  sum,  c  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and 
they  shall  be  to  me  a  people.'  Our  house  eternal  in 
the  heavens,  and  God  as  our  dwelling-place  is  free. 
Our  eternal  life  is  the  free  gift  of  God  through  Jesus 
Christ.  Our  light,  both  of  the  night  and  day,  is  free. 
Christ,  the  light  of  the  world,  is  the  unspeakable 
gift  of  God.  Our  birth  is  free;  of  his  own  will  he 
begets  us  again  to  a  lively  hope,  and  we  are  born  of 
the  free  Spirit.  Our  baptism  is  free ;  we  are  buried 
with  Christ  in  baptism,  baptized  into  Christ,  and  put 
on  Christ.  Qurjood  is  free  bread,  which  the  Father 
giveth  us  from  heaven ;  water  of  life,  which  we  are 
required  to  take  freely,  and  wine  and  milk  bought 
without  money  and  without  price.  Our  raiment 
is  free ;  a  gift  of  righteousness  and  grace,  and  gar- 
ments of  salvation.  Our  person  is  free  ;  for  whom 
the  Son  makes  free,  he  is  free  indeed.  Our  trade 
is  free ;  whosoever  will  may  use  it,  however  poor  or 
wretched.  Our  property  and  inheritance  is  free ; 
what  is  good  the  Lord  gives.  Our  riding  to  heaven 
in  the  chariots  of  salvation,  or  on  horses  of  gospel- 
promises,  is  free.  All  the  service  that  men  and  an- 
gf  Is  can  give  us  is  free.  He  that  sitteth  on  the  throne 
'  causeth  us  freely  to  inherit  all  things.  Our  death, 
or  burial,  our  resurrection,  our  last  sentence,  and  our 
eternal  glory,  are  ail  free  ;  grace  much  more  abound- 


and  purchased  grace,  put  on  bvjumself.    Our  wealth 
is  his  unsearchable  riches.     He  himself  is  our  all  and 


SELECT    REMAINS.  lOi 

ing  where  sin  had  abounded,  and  reigning  through 
righteousness  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  All  things  are  ours  because  we  are  Christ's 
and  Christ  is  God's :  we  are  heirs  of  God  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ. 

Not  only  doth  our  great  administrator  allow  us 
all  things  freely,  but  he  himself  provides,  prepares, 
and  gives  them  to  us  out  of  his  own  fulness.  We 
have  all  and  abound,  by  receiving  out  of  his  fulness, 
and  grace  for  grace.  We  have  life  because  he  died, 
and  as  a  quickening  Spirit  comes  that  we  may  have 
life,  and  have  it  more  abundantly.  Our  food  is  his 
flesh  and  blood,  which  he  giveth  for  the  life  of  the 
world.  Our  raiment  is  his  everlasting  righteousness, 

b\r  hii 

in  all.  We  are  blessed  wuii  all  cur  spiritual  bless- 
ings of  election,  spiritual  marriage,  new  birth,  par- 
don, acceptance,  adoption,  sanctification,  perseve- 
rance, holy  conversation,  happy  death,  and  everlast- 
ing glory  in  Christ  Jesus.  Thrice  blessed,  infinitely 
unparalleled  manager  of  our  new  covenant  state,  who 
contrived  and  purchased  all,  and  who  freely  disposes 
and  distributes  all  good  things  to  us  ;  nay,  in  and  of 
himself,  is  our  all  and  in  all !  Let  my  soul  rejoice  in, 
and  for  ever  boast  of  him  as  my  God  and  my  all ! 
my  God  and  my  all !  my  God  and  my  all ! 

For  six  thousand  years  past,  he  hath  managed  the 
whole  concerns  of  the  great  king,  the  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth ;  and  hath  dealt  so  prudently,  that  omnis- 
cience itself  cannot  find  a  flaw  in  his  administrations. 
Not  one  of  the  new  covenant  subjects,  or  angelick 
servants,  but  is  ready  to  attest,  that  he  hath  done  all 
things  well.  His  name  is  but  still  in  the  bud.  His 
name  shall  endure  for  ever.  It  shall  beget  children 
before  the  sun.  Men  shall  be  blessed  in  him,  and  all 
K 


106  SELECT    REMAINS. 

nations  shall  call  him  blessed.  The  knowledge  and 
glory  of  him  shall  fill  the  whole  earth,  and  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  his  salvation  and  fear  be- 
fore him.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become 
the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ.  There 
shall  be  one  Lord  over  all  the  earth,  and  his  name 
one.  God  shall  cause  his  name,  which  is  above  eve- 
ry name  that  is  named,  to  be  remembered  in  all  gen- 
erations, and  the  people  shall  praise  him  for  ever  and 
ever. 

When,  at  the  last  day,  he  shall  come  in  his  own 
and  his  Father's  glory,  with  all  his  holy  angels,  he 
shall  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  and  the  people 
in  equity.  Not  one  conscience  of  the  whole  assem- 
bly, consisting  perhaps  of  some  millions  of  millions, 
but  shall  at  every  step  of  his  conduct  cry  out,  Righ- 
teous art  thou,  O  Lord,  and  righteous  are  thy  judge- 
ments. Even  Belzebub,  infidels,  hereticks,  profane, 
formalists,  and  their  fellows,  who  had  persevered  till 
the  last,  in  reproaching  and  blaspheming  him  in  his 
absence,  shall,  with  hanging  heads  and  trembling 
hearts,  confess  themselves  to  have  been  impudent 
liars,  and  that  he  is  Lord,  to  the  giory  of  the  Father. 
Even  in  hell  every  conscience,  to  the  eternal  anguish 
and  torment  of  its  owner,  shall  perpetually  attest  the 
wisdom  and  equity  of  his  whole  conduct,  and  the 
justice  of  their  own  damnation,  as  reproachers  of, 
and  rebels  against,  him.  In  heaven  his  equity, 
wisdom,  mercy,  and  love,  and  the  righteousness  and 
holiness  of  all  his  works,  are  and  shall  for  ever  be, 
the  ravishing  wonder  of  every  heart,  and  the  de- 
lightful burden  of  every  song.  In  the  view  of  my 
being  for  ever  thus  employed,  let  my  heart  now 
meditate  good  matter  concerning  my  King,  and  in 
speaking  to  his  honour,  let  my  tongue  be  as  tjie  pen 
of  a  ready  writer. 


SELECT    REMAINSV  107 

TRACT  XIV. 

BlancharcPs  Travel  excelled. 

When  I  read  and  hear  of  the  modem  bustling 
about  air  balloons,  what  multitudes  assemble  to  be- 
hold their  motion,  and  from  what  distance ;  and 
think  what  useful  money,  and  still  more  precious 
time,  is  spent  in  that  unprofitable  contemplation,  it 
makes  me  with  great  grief  and  shame  to  think, 
4  Lord  hast  thou  made  men  in  vain?'  Hast  thou 
made  them  more  thoughtless  and  improvident  than 
the  grasshopper,  or  more  stupid  and  unnatural  than 
the  ostrich,  that  most  live  altogether  unconcerned 
about  either  time  or  eternity  ?  Have  they  no  bodies, 
no  families  to  provide  for?  have  they  no  just  debts 
to  pay  ?  no  occasions  of  giving  to  him  that  needeth  ? 
nave  they  no  souls  to  be  for  ever  saved,  or  to  be 
eternally  damned  ?  Is  it  possible  for  men,  who  have 
souls,  to  run  or  ride  scores  of  miles  to  behold  a 
large  and  full-blown  bladder  mounting  into  the  air, 
who  nevertheless  would  grudge  to  travel  one  or  two 
to  behold  the  glory,  and  see  the  goings  of  my  God 
and  my  King  in  the  sanctuary?  Is  it  possible  that 
such  as  have  immortal  and  precious  souls,  should 
spend  more  time  in  one  day,  in  this  pitiful  contem- 
plation, than  ever  they  spent  in  serious  searching  of 
their  heart,  or  solemn  prayer  to  their  God ;  in  taking 
heed  to  their  way ;  in  looking  to  Jesus,  the  author 
and  finisher  of  our  faith ;  to  God  that  dwelleth  in  the 
heavens  above  them ;  or  to  the  infinitely  important 
eternity  that  is  before  them  ? 

But  rejoice,  O  my  soul,  that,  by  the  grace  of  God, 
I  have  taken  my  seat  in  that  divine  balloon,  the  ever* 
lasting  covenant,  ordered  in  all  things  and  sure  I  and 
this  is  all  my  salvation,  and  all  my  desire.     I  am  on 


108  SELECT    REGAINS. 

the  very  point  of  setting  off,  not  for  France,  or  its 
dangerous  wood,  but  for  the  paradise  of  God,  the 
palace  of  my  king,  in  whose  presence  is  fulness  of  joy, 
and  at  whose  right  hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 
Perhaps  next  moment  I  may  begin  my  journey,  not 
over  the  straits  of  Dover,  but  over  the  deeps  of  death. 
Yet  I  shall  not  die,  but  live  and  praise  the  Lord. 
Because  Jesus  liveth,  I  shall  live  also.  He  hath  the 
keys  of  hell  and  death.  He  did  and  he  will  swallow 
up  death  in  victory.  He  hath  redeemed  me  from 
death :  '  O  death,  he  was  thy  plague :  O  grave,  he  was 
4  thy  destruction  V  Be  not,  therefore,  my  soul,  afraid, 
but  only  believe,  and  thou  shalt  soon  see  the  glory  of 
God.  '  While  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  sha- 
w  dow  of  death  I  will  fear  no  evil;  for  God  shall  be 
1  with  me ;  his  rod  and  his  staff  shall  comfort  me/ 
4  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is 
4  thy  victory?'  Though  in  my  dying  moments  the 
winds  should  rise,  the  rains  descend,  and  floods  come 
and  beat  upon  me,  I  shall  neither  fall  nor  sink,  nor 
be  driven  out  of  my  way.  God  hath  said  to  me, 
4  Fear  not,  for  I  will  be  with  thee.  Be  not  dismayed, 
1  for  I  am  thy  God.  I  will  help  thee,  yea,  I  will  up- 
4  hold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness. 
4  When  thou  passest  through  the  waters,  I  will  be 
c  with  thee ;  and  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not 

*  overflow  thee.  When  thou  walkest  through  the  fire 
4  thou  shalt  not  be  burnt,  nor  shall  the  flame  kindle 
fc  upon  thee.  Why  shouldest  thou  then  be  cast  down, 
4  O  my  soul?  Why  shouldest  thou  be  disquieted 
4  within  me  ?  still  trust  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
4  him ;  for  he  is  the  health  of  my  countenance  and  my 

*  God.'  Though  I  should  walk  in  the  midst  of  trou- 
ble, I  shall  have  life  from  him.  Though  the  waters 
should  swell  even  to  the  brim,  they  shall  not  overflow 
my  soul,  nor  come  near  unto  me.  Thou  shalt  hide  me 
from  trouble,  and  shalt  compass  me  about  with  songs 
of  deliverance. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  109 

Arise,  O  my  ransomed  soul,  and  go  over,  go  up  to 
moifnt  Zion,  to  the  Lord  thy  God !  Arise,  for  the 
Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee.  It  is  the  voice 
of  my  beloved  who  speaks,  and  says  to  me,  c  Arise, 

*  my  love,  my  fair  one,  and  come  away ;  for  the  win- 
'  ter  is  past,  and  the  rain  is  over  and  gone.'     '  My 

*  desire  is  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is 
4  far  better.'  Why  tarry  the  wheels  of  his  chariots  ? 
and  why  is  he  so  long  a  coming?  Stript  by  the  grace- 
of  God  of  this  body  of  sin  and  self,  and  of  this  frail 
and  mortal  frame,  I  shall  mount  as  the  eagle,  shall  fly 
and  not  be  weary,  ascend  and  never  faint.  Adieu, 
you  subtle  self,  you  filthy  lusts,  you  molehill  earth — 
I  will  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  you.  Hoisted 
up  by  Jehovah's  love,  attended  by  his  hymning  angels, 
all  inflamed  by  his  Spirit,  I  sing  and  soar  away.  You 
malicious,  murdering  powers  of  air,  shall  see  it,  and 
shall  gnash  your  teeth,  and  melt  away.  You  wander- 
ing planets,  you  enlightening  sun,  you  glittering  stars, 
in  whom  I  have  often  discerned  the  glories  of  God, 
my  God — I  bid  you  all  farewell.  I  am  on  my  way 
to  far  brighter  worlds,  where  you  can  never  be  seen  j 
where  God  shall  be  my  sun,  my  moon,  my  stars,  my 
everlasting  light,  my  glory,  and  my  all  in  all.  While 

"  the  ravishing  musick  of  heaven  meets  my  ears  and 
transports  my  heart,  I  see  the  pearly  gate  cast  wide 
open,  to  give  me  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  king- 
dom of  my  Lord.  I  perch,  not  on  the  top  of  wood- 
land trees,  but  on  the  Tree  of  Life.  In  the  arms  of 
my  God,  1  enter  the  New  Jerusalem.  I  am  brought 
into  the  palace  of  my  king  with  gladness  great,  and 
mirth  on  every  side.  Methinks  ail  heaven  is  moved 
to  meet  me  at  my  coming,  and  crying,  with  sweet 
wonder, '  Who  is  this?  what  unparalleled  monument 
of  redeeming  grace  is  this  V  Not  French  grandees, 
but  an  innumerable  company  of  angels,  and  the  gene- 
ral assembly  of  the  first  born,  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect ;  God  the  judge  of  all,  Jesus  the  medi- 
K  2 


HO  SELECT   REMAINS. 

ator  of  the  New  Testament,  and  the  blessed  Spirit 
of  all  grace,  welcome  me  in  the  most  delightful 
forms !  Now  I  enter  into  the  joy  of  my  Lord,  and  sit 
down  with  Christ  on  his  throne.  I  am,  and  shall  be, 
ever  with  the  Lord.  I  see  the  redeeming  Godhead 
as  it  is,  and  am  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God,  and 
know  him  even  as  I  am  known.  I  am  perfectly 
conformed  to  his  image.  My  heart  is  inflamed,  and 
my  mouth  filled,  with  his  praise  and  honour  all  the 
day.  Lord,  what  am  I,  that  thou  hast  brought  me 
hitherto !  What  can  the  first  rate  sinner  more  say  I 
Is  this  the  manner  of  men,  O  Lord ! 


TRACT  XV. 

A  sore-vexed  soul  delivered, 

*  A  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear?'  My  heart 
knoweth  its  own  bitterness,  but  strangers  do  not 
intermeddle  with  my  joy.  Lately  I  lay  in  the  belly 
of  hell.  My  soul  was  sore  vexed,  and  sunk  in  deep 
waters,  where  there  was  no  standing,  in  an  horrible 
pit  and  miry  clay  indeed,  (l)  My  mind  was  fear- 
fully overwhelmed  with  continual  thoughts  of  the 
holiness,  equity,  and  Majesty  of  God,  Psal.  Ixxxvii* 
3.  (2)  I  looked  on  God  as  mine  inveterate  enemy, 
intending  my  hurt  in  all  that  he  did  or  said.  As  I 
had  rebelled  and  vexed  his  holy  Spirit,  I  suspected 
that  he  fought  against  me,  Isa.  lxiii.  10.  Lam.  iii.  3 — 
13.  I  apprehended  his  words,  his  works,  as  all 
breathing  forth  threatening^,  curses,  and  slaughter, 
against  me.  I  apprehended  my  life  and  my  death, 
heaven  and  hell,  as  working  together  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight  of  misery  for  mc.  (3)  All 


SELECT    REMAINS. 


i 


mv  evidences  of  former  grace  were  utterly  lost.  I  ap- 
prehended all  my  former  experiences  to  have  been 
delusions,  or  but  common  workings  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  and  all  my  religious  exercise  to  have  been 
but  hypocritical  dissimulation  with  God  and  men, 
Psal.  lxxiii.  lxxxviii.  4.  Lam.  iii.  2.  Hos.  xi.  12. 
(4)  In  the  form  and  aggravations  of  my  sin,  and  in 
the  dreadful  and  long  continued  hardness  of  my 
heart,  I  apprehended  that  I  saw  fearful  tokens  of  my 
reprobation,  sinning  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  or  out- 
sinning  my  day  of  grace,  Psal.  lxxvii.  6 — 10.  Gen. 
vi.  3.  Rev.  xxii.  11.  (5)  Even  my  thought  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  his  great  salvation,  filled  me  with  an- 
guish; as  I  looked  on  them  as  for  ever  lost  to  me : 
nu}',  through  my  rejection  ol  them,  fearfully  instru- 
mental of  my  eternal  and  unparalleled  damnation, 
2  Cor.  ii.  16.  and  iii.  14.  and  iv.  3,  4.  Rom.  ix.  31, 
32.  1  Pet.  ii.  8.  Heb.  x.  26,  27,  29,  31.  2  Thess.  i. 
'7 — 9.  R«v.  i.  7.  (6)  My  thoughts,  fixing  on  every- 
thing dreadful,  drew  terrors  from  every  object,  into 
every  faculty  of  my  soul,  and  filled  them  therewith, 
Job  vi.  4.  Psal.  lxxxviii.  15.  (7)  Every  view  con- 
tributed to  produce  the  most  agonizing  fears  in  my 
soul.  I  could  not  think  of  God,  but  as  wrathful ;  of 
heaven  and  salvation,  but  as  lost;  of  hell,  but  as 
infallibly  secured ;  of  my  life,  but  as  miserable  and 
ripening  me  for  greater  damnation;  and  of  my 
death,  but  as  an  entrance  into  everlasting  torment, 
Isa.  xxiv.  17,  18.  Heb,  x.  26,  27.  (8)  I  lost  all  heart 
to  pray  for  reiief,  and  all  life  and  ease  of  mind  in  es- 
saying it;  my  thoughts  were  in  such  a  confused  hur- 
ry, or  so  unsettled,  that  I  could  scarce  speak  sense, 
or  speak  a  word.  This,  together  with  the  apprehen- 
sion of  the  Lord's  rejecting  my  prayers,  and  turning 
them  into  sin  filled  me  with  such  sorrow  as  quite 
damped  my  soul,  restrained  all  exercise  of  faith, 
hope,  or  love,  spoiled  my  duties,  and  became  so 
great,  that  I  could  not  vent  it,  Psal.  lxxiv.  4.  Job  vh 


112  SELECT    REMAINS. 

2,  3.  and  x.  15 — 17.  and  xxiii.  2.  (9)  Hence  my  soul 
lost  all  patience,  and  raged  like  a  wild  bull  in  a  net 
under  my  distress,  Isa,  li.  20.  Job  xviii.  4.  Psalm 
xxxviii.  8.  and  xxii.  1.  (10)  Having  lost  all  views  of 
either  the  probability  or  possibility  of  my  deliver- 
ance, I  considered  the  intermissions  of  my  agony,  as 
but  a  breathing  to  prepare  me  for  new  racking  and 
torture,  Psal.  lxxvii.  6 — 10.  (11)  Satan  being  let 
loose  upon  me,  exercised  his  malice  and  cruelty  to 
the  very  uttermost,  and  improved  every  thing,  pre- 
sent or  future,  in  heaven,  earth,  and  hell,  as  instru- 
ments of  his  torture.  Ah,  the  vile,  the  blasphemous, 
the  horrible,  the  dreadful  suggestions,  he  violently 
threw  into  my  soul!  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  Psal.  cix.  6.  Luke 
ix.  39 — 42.  (12)  My  despair  became  exceeding 
deep,  fixed,  and  dreadful,  Ezek.  xxxvii.  11.  Jer.  ii. 
25.  Psal.  lxxvii.  7 — 10.  Acts  xxvii.  20.  (13)  I  con- 
sidered my  present  troubles  as  a  certain  and  dreadful 
earnest,  if  not  immediate  introduction  intg  everlast- 
ing misery,  Isa.  xxxiii.  14.  (14)  All  comparison  of 
my  soul's  present  condition,  with  that  which  it  had 
been,  or  with  that  of  others,  did  but  add  to  my  an- 
guish, Job  xxix.  2 — 5.  Psal.  xlii.  3,  4.  (15)  While 
my  apprehension  of  the  infernal  torments  were  so 
dreadful,  that  I  was  afraid  to  sleep  lest  I  should  have 
awakened  amidst  them,  my  inward  torments  were 
so  insupportable,  that  I  indulged  an  aversion  at  the 
continuance  of  my  life,  and  an  anxiety  to  know  what 
Mould  be  the  worst  of  my  misery  in  hell — which  Sa- 
tan violently  improved  in  tempting  me  to  murder 
myself,  Job  vi.  8,  9.  and  vii.  3,  4,  14,  15.  and  x.  1. 
and  iii.  20,  23,  24.  (16)  Hence  I  could  not  refrain 
from,  nay  even  induced,  outrageous  expressions 
against  the  Lord  and  his  dealings  with  me,  2  Kings 
ii.  33.  Job  iii.  vi.  x»  Psalm  Ixxiii.  2 — 13.  and  lxxvii. 
4 — 10.  and  lxxxviii.  2—18.  Isa.  xlix.  14.  Jer.  xxv. 

r— is. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  11 J 

Bat,  after  weeping  had  endured  for  a  night,  joy- 
came  in  the  morning.  By  his  sovereign  gracious 
return  to  my  soul,  (l)  The  Lord  made  Satan  to 
leave  me,  and  flee  off,  Luke  ix.  42.  Rom.  xvi.  20. 
Gen.  iii.  1 5.  and  even  before  he  went  off,  gave  me 
strength  to  resist  him,  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  1  Cor.  x.  13. 
Isa.  lix.  29 — 31.  (2)  He  commanded  such  a  calm  in 
my  mind,  that  I  could  attentively  listen  to  his  words, 
Psalm  xlvi.  10.  and  xlv.  7.  cvii.  29.  (3)  He  spoke 
home  his  gracious  declarations  and  promises  to  my 
heart,  with  such  pointed  power,  light,  and  life,  that 
every  sentence  appeared  exactly  formed  for  me,  and 
pleasantly  penetrated  to  the  very  centre  of  my  soul ; 
particularly  Isa.  i.  18.  xl.  1,  2.  xliii.  25.  xlv.  22.  xlix. 
15,  16,  24—26.  liv.  1 — 17.  and  lvii.  15 — 20.  Ezek. 
xxxvi.  25 — 29.  Hos.  xiv.  4.  (4)  By  these  words  he 
Conveyed  into  the  respective  powers  of  my  soul  such 
abundant  pardon,  peace,  light,  life,  liberty,  health, 
strength,  and  holiness,  as  made  it,  which  had  been  so 
long  like  aTery  hell  of  wickedness  and  misery,  a 
meet  habitation  for  himself  by  the  Spirit,  Isa.  1.  4. 
John  vi.  63.  Luke  xviii.  7.  1  Thess.  i.  5.  and  ii.  13. 
(5)  Hence  my  inward  graces  revived  as  the  corn. 
My  spiritual  knowledge,  faith,  hope,  love,  and  re- 
pentance, were  quickened,  excited,  and  enabled  to 
make  a  proper  improvement  of  his  words  to,  and 
gracious  work  on,  me,  John  i.  16.  Psalm  xxxviii.  3. 
and  cxix.  50.  Eph.  i.  17 — 19.  and  iii.  16 — 19.  Phil, 
i.  19.  and  iv.  13,  19.  Col.  i.  9 — 11.  (6)  Hereon 
my  soul  was  filled,  and  even  ravished,  with  peace 
and  joy  in  believing.  I  thought  that,  though  I  had 
been  a  thousand  years  in  hell,  all  my  torment  and  sor- 
row were  fully  over-balanced  with  the  abundant  con- 
solations of  Christ,  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Rom.  xv.  13.  and  v. 
1 — 5,  11.2  Cor.  i.  3 — 7.  I  saw  that,  in  all  my  for- 
mer affliction,  the  Lord  had  been  but  enlarging  and 
seasoning  my  soul  for  an  amazing,  an  eternal  fill,  of 
ali  the  fulness  of  God  as  my  exceeding  joy.     Q,  how 


114  SELECT    REMAINS. 

my  heart  heaved  in  joy,  and  my  lips  burst  in  praise  f 
Not  a  song  in  all  the  Bible  but  I  could  sing  with 
sweet  application  to  myself,  particularly  Psalms 
xxxiv.  1 — 8.  xxiii.  1 — 6.  xviii.  iii.  cxvi.  cxviii.  cxlv. 
cxlvi.  cxlviii.  cxxxviii.  Isa.  xii.  xxv.  and  liii.  7.  PsaL 
xl.  1 — 5.  (7)  Being  thus  constrained  by  the  love  of 
Christ  and  his  Father  and  blessed  Spirit,  in  making 
such  unparalleled  stretches  of  mercy  towards  me,  I 
was  led  out  in  a  most  earnest  activity  in  running  the 
way  of  his  commandments,  I  was  sweetly  nonpluss- 
ed how  to  get  enough  of  fellowship  with  him  in  his 
ordinances,  and  how  I  might  best  honour  him  in  the 
way  of  holy  obedience.  My  viewing  of  his  law  as 
the  commandments  of  my  God,  had  the  force  of  ten 
thousand  motives  on  my  heart,  2  Cor.  14,  15.  Psalm 
cxix.  32,  115.  and  cxvi.  12,  16.  1  John  iv.  9,  10,  19. 
(8)  While  I  clearly  perceived  my  eternal  happiness 
founded  in  the  infinite  grace  of  God,  and  surety- 
righteousness  of  Christ,  and  no  more  on  my  best 
works  than  on  my  worst,  it  gave  me  inexpressible 
pleasure  that,  in  a  little  time,  I  should  be  as  near 
him,  and  as  like  to  him,  and  as  perfect  in  love  to  him, 
as  my  heart  could  wish ;  and  I  was  led  out  to  great 
diligence  in  duty,  not  to  purchase  heaven,  but  to  pre- 
pare me  for  receiving  it,  as  the  free  gift  of  God 
through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord. 

Let  me  from  experience  beseech  you  distressed 
souls,  (1)  Labour  to  avoid  all  expressions  that  can 
dishonour  God,  or  discourage  others  from  following 
Christ,  Psalm  xxxix.  1.  (2)  In  your  distress  earnest- 
ly attend  to  every  point  of  duty,  whether  spiritual  or 
temporal,  Isa.  lxiv.  5.  (3)  Deal  much  in  searching 
your  heart  and  way,  in  order  to  pour  out  your  con- 
fessions and  complaints  before  the  Lord,  Lam.  iii» 
40.  But  it  is  not  safe  for  you  to  examine  yourself  in 
order  to  discover  your  spiritual  state,  while  you  are 
overwhelmed  with  trouble.    (4)  It  is  very  proper  for 


SELECT   REMAINS*  115 

you  to  reveal  your  case  to  some  experienced  minister 
or  Christian ;  but,  above  all,  deal  much  in  pouring 
out  your  heart  to  God,  Psalm  Ixii.  8.  cii.  and  cxliii. 
(5)  Meditate  much  on  the  infinite  worth  of  Christ's 
blood  to  over-balance  all  your  sinfulness,  and  on  the 
infinite  power  of  God's  grace  and  mercy  to  relieve 
you,  1  John  i.  7.  and  ii.  1,  2.  Mic.  vii.  18,  19.  (6) 
Labour  earnestly  to  apply  closely  to  your  own  soul 
and  case  the  gracious  promises  of  the  gospel,  parti- 
cularly those  which  suit  the  very  worst  of  sinners, 
and  worst  of  cases  on  this  side  hell.  Such  promises 
as  Satan,  and  your  own  unbelieving  heart,  can  least 
pretend  to  be  above  your  reach,  as  Isa.  xli.  17,  18. 
and  xliii.  24,  25.  Matt.  ix.  13.  and  xviii.  11.  Luke 
xix.  10.  1  Tim.  i.  15. 


116  &ELECT   KEMAINS. 


VHE    AUTHOR'S   DTING    ADVICE    *0   HIS    rOUNCER 
CHILDREN. 

My  Dear  Children, 
BELIEVING  that  God  hath  made  with  me, 
and  with  my  seed  after  me,  his  everlasting  covenant, 
to  be  a  God  to  me  and  to  my  seed,  I  did,  in  your  bap- 
tism, and  often  since,  and  now  do,  before  God  and 
his  angels,  make  a  solemn  surrender  of  you  all  into 
the  hands  of  my  God  and  my  father's  God,  and  of 
the  God  of  your  mother,  and  her  father's  God ;  and 
in  the  presence  of  that  God ;  and  as  ye  shall  answer 
at  his  second  coming,  I  charge  you. — 

1st.  To  learn  diligently  the  principles  of  our 
Christian  and  of  our  Protestant  religion,  from  your 
catechisms  and  confession  of  faith,  but  especially 
from  your  Bible :  God's  word  hath  a  light  and  life, 
a  power  and  sweetness  in  it,  which  n^>  other  book 
hath,  and  by  it  your  souls  must  be  quickened  and 
live,  or  you  must  be  damned  for  ever ;  and  the  more 
closely  you  press  the  words  of  the  Bible  to  your  own 
hearts,  and  pray,  and  think  them  over  before  God, 
you  will  find  them  the  more  powerful  and  pleasant. 
My  soul  hath  found  inexpressibly  more  sweetness 
and  satisfaction,  in  a  single  line  of  the  Bible,  nay,  in 
two  such  words  as  these,  Thy  God,  and  my  God,  than 
all  the  pleasures  found  in  the  things  of  the  world, 
since  the  creation,  could  equal. 

2d.  Give  yourselves  to  prayer ;  Jesus  hath  said, 
1  Suffer  little  children,  and  forbid  them  not,  to  come 
*  unto  me :  for  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  I 
1  love  them  that  love  me ;  and  those  that  seek  me 
4  early  shall  find  me. — Remember  now  thy  Crc  c 
'  in  the  days  of  thy  youth.  The  Lord  is  goo: 
'  them  that  seek  him.     lie  is  the  hearer  of  pray*    ; 


SELECT    REMAINS.  117 

*  and  therefore  to  him  should  all  flesh  come.'— The 
Lord,  the  father  of  the  fatherless,  takes  an  especial 
pleasure  in  hearing  the  prayers  of  the  fatherless 
young  ones. 

When  I  was  left  destitute  of  a  father,  and  soon  af- 
ter of  a  mother,  the  Lord  dealt  so  with  me ;  and 
though  I  was  too  bent  on  childish  diversions,  the 
Lord  on  some  occasions  made  prayer  more  pleasant 
to  me  than  any  of  them.  By  prayer  improve  the 
Lord  as  your  father,  consulting  him  and  asking  his 
direction  in  all  your  ways ;  and  seeking  his  blessing 
on  your  learning,  and  on  whatever  you  do  agreeable 
to  his  wilL 

3d.  Study  earnestly  to  love,  honour  and  obey 
your  mother,  and  to  be  a  comfort  to  her.  Much 
trouble  hath  she  had  in  bringing  you  so  far  in  the 
world,  and  much  affection  hath  she  shewed  you.  She 
hath  now  a  .double  charge  and  authority  over  you. 
The  Lord  now  observes  particularly  what  is  done  to 
*her.'  '  Oh,  for  the  Lord's  sake,  do  not  dishonour 
her,  nor  break  her  heart,  by  your  disobedience  and 
graceless  walk ;  otherwise  the  Lord's  dreadful  curse 
will  light  upon  you,  and  ye  will  readily  soon  perish : 
for  think  what  God  hath  said,  Prov.  xvii.  25.  *  A 
"  foolish  son  is  a  grief  to  his  father,  and  bitterness  to 
4  her  that  bore  him.  Chapter  xx.  20.  4  Whoso  curs- 
*  eth  his  father  or  his  mother,  his  lamp  shall  be  put 
4  out  in  obscure  darkness.'  See  also  Lev.  xx.  3,  4. 
Deut.  xxi.  18,  19.  Prov.  x.  1.  xiii.  1.  xv.  5,  20.  xix. 
13,  26.  xxviii.  7,  24.  xxx.  17* 

4th.  Avoid,  as  pi  agues  every  light,  frothy,  and  wick- 
ed companion.  Be  not  a  disgrace  to  me,  and  cause 
of  damnation  to  yourselves,  by  keeping  company 
with  idle  talkers,  swearers,  drunkards,  tipplers, frothy 
or,  lewd  persons.  Scarce  any  thing  more  infallibly 
L 


. 


118  SELECT    REMAINS. 

brings  persons  to  misery  in  this  world,  or  to  hell  in  the 
next,  than  loose  and  trifling  companions*  Prov.  xiii. 
20. .  *  He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  shall  be  wise  ; 
but  a  companion  of  fools  shall  be  destroyed.'  *  chap, 
xxviii.  7.  '  Whoso  keepeth  the  law  is  a  wise  son ;  but 
he  that  is  a  companion  of  riotous  men  shameth  his 
father.'  See  also  Prov.  i,  ii,  v,  vi,  vii,  and  ix.  and  1 
Corinth,  v.  9,  11.  Never  make  any  your  compa- 
nions, with  whom  you  would  not  wish  to  appear  at 
the  judgement  seat  of  Christ,  and  with  whom  you 
would  not  wish  to  live  for  ever. 

5th.  Mind  earnestly  the  infinitely  important  con- 
cerns of  your  eternal  salvation.  I  hereby  constitute 
these  addresses,  annexed  to  my  shorter  and  larger 
Catechisms,  a  part  of  my  dying  directions  to  you. 
Oh,  ponder  and  practise  them !  Wo  to  you,  if,  by 
your  carelessness  and  wickedness,  you  thrust  the 
grace  of  God  out  from  among  my  posterity !  Ah,  my 
dear  young  children,  shall  I  at  the  last  day  have  to 
echo  my  Amen  to  Christ's  sentence  of  your  eternal 
damnation !  In  order  to  stir  up  your  concern  about 
eternal  things,  let  me  beseech  you  to  read  Boston's 
Fourfold  State,  Pearce's  Best  Match,  Rutherford's 
Letters,  Guise's  Sermons  to  Young  People,  Allen's 
Alarm,  and  Baxter's  Call ;  but  beware  of  some  legal 
direction.':  in  the  last  two.  Read  also  the  lives  of 
Elisabeth  Cairns,  of  Alexander  Archibald,  and  espe- 
cially- the  lives  of  Messrs.  Thomas  Halyburton, 
James  Fra2er,  and  James  Hog.  Perhaps  also  my 
Journal  may  be  useful  to  you;  but,  above  all,  read 
the  Book  of  inspiration. 

6th.  Never  affect  conformity  to  the  vain  and  vile 
fashions  of  this  world :  if  you  do,  you  disobey  God, 
and  hazard  the  ruin  of  your  own  souls.  Rom.  xii.  2. 
'  Be  not  conformed  to  this  world,  but  be  ye  trans- 
c  formed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind.  Jam.  iv.  4. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  119 

5  Know  ye  not  that  the  friendship  of  this  world  is 
1  enmity  with  God  ?  whosoever,  therefore,  will  be  a 
4  friend  of  the  world,  is  the  enemy  of  God.'  See  also 
1  Cor.  vii.  si.   l  John  ii.  15r  17.  iv.  5,  6.  v.  4,  19. 

John  vii.  7.  xv.  ie7  iq.  pbid.  xv.  4, cxxxix.  21. — 

cxix.  53, 115,  136,  158. 

7th.  Never  marry,  nor  take  one  step  toward  mar- 
riage, without  much  serious  and  solemn  consultation 
of  God,  and  patient  waiting  for  his  direction. — By 
means  of  rash  marriages  was  the  old  world  defiled ; 
and  it  was  partly  on  this  account  that  it  was  drown- 
ed: Gen.  vi.  In  consequence  of  these  examples, 
Esau's  posterity  were  cast  out  from  the  church  of 
God  to  all  generations :  Gen.  xxvi.  34,  35.  Judah's 
family  was  disgraced  and  killed ;  and  it  is  to  be  fear- 
ed that  his  two  sons  perished :  Gen.  xxxviii.  Not 
only  Jehoshaphat's  family,  but  even  the  kingdom  of 
Judah,  was  almost  ruined :  2  Chron.  xxi,  xxii.  How 
dreadful  for  your  own  souls,  and  for  those  of  your 
children,  if  you  take  into  your  bosom  an  unconvert- 
ed lump  of  wrath !  For  the  Lord's  sake  let  no 
beauty,  no  affability,  no  wealth,  decoy  any  of  you 
into  this  dangerous  snare,  which  may  exclude  the 
grace  of  God  from  your  family,  till  the  end  of 
time.  1  Cor.  vii.  39.  Deut.  vii.  3,  4.  Ezra  ix.  2, 
3,  12,  14. 

8th.  If  the  Lord  give  you  families  and  children, 
bring  them  up  for  God.  I  have  essayed  to  point  out 
your  duty  in  this  respect,  in  my  two  sermons  at 
Whitburn  and  Innerkeithing,  which  were  printed : 
I  pray  you  seriously  to  peruse  these,  and  to  comply 
with  the  advices  given  in  the  same. 

9th.  Set  the  Lord  always  before  you  as  your  Sa- 
viour, witness,  master,  pattern,  and  future  judge. 
David  saith,  Psalm  xvi.  8.  4  I  have  set  the  Lord 


120  SELECT    REMAIN*. 

*  always  before  me :  because  he  is  at  my  right  hand 
c  I  shall  not  be  moved/  It  is  the  command  of  God, 
1  Cor.  x.  31.  '  Whether  therefore  ye  eat  or  drink, 

*  or  wltatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  Gcd.r 

loth-  Adhere  constantly,,  cordially,  and  honestly, 
to  the  covenanted  principles  of  the  church  of  Scot- 
land, and  to  that  testimony  which  hath  been  lifted 
up  for  them.  I  fear  a  generation  is  rising  up,  which 
will  endeavour  silently  to  let  slip  these  matters,  as  if 
they  were  ashamed  to  hold  them  fast,  or  even  to  speak 
of  them.  May  the  Lord  forb'pd,  that  any  of  you 
should  ever  enter  into  this  confederacy  against  Je- 
sus Christ  and  his  cause ! This  from  a  dying  fa- 
ther and  minister,  and  a  witness  for  Christ- 

JOHN  BROWN. 


Narrative  of  the  Author's  Dying  Words* 

For  some  years  before  Mr.  Brown  died,  he  was 
troubled  with  a  weakness  in  his  stomach.  In  the 
months  of  January  and  February,  this  weakness 
remarkably  increased.  His  friends  observed  it  with 
grief,  and  accordingly  desired  him.  to  desist  at  least 

i  part  of  his  publick  work.  Eager  to  warn  sin- 
ners of  their  danger,  and  fond  to  commend  his  Lord, 
he  told  them,  i  I  am  determined  to  hold  to  Christ's 
work  so  long  as  I  can.  How  can  a  dying  man  spend 
his  last  breath  better  than  in  preaching  Christ  V  On 
the  25th  of  February,  which  was  his  last  sabbath  in 
the  pulpit,  he  preached  from  Luke  ii.  26.  '  It  was 
revealed  unto  him  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  he  should 
not  see  death  till  he  had  seen  the  Lord's  Christ.' — 
In  the  close  of  his  sermon,  he  took  a  solemn  farewell 


SELECT    REMAINS.  121 

of  his  own  ^congregation;  and  plainly  intimated, 
that  in  the  pulpit  they  would  see  his  face  no  more. 
Though  now  he  was  scarce  able  to  support  himself, 
yet  he  continued  his  evening  sermon,  and  seemed 
to  preach  with  more  earnestness  than  ever.  He 
preached  his  last  sermon  from  Acts  xiii.  26.  '  To 
you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent.'  As  in  the 
afternoon  he  had  addressed  the  people  immediately 
connected  with  himself,  in  the  evening,  he  in  a  very 
affecting  manner,  bid  adieu  to  his  hearers,  mostly 
members  of  the  established  church. 

March  2d.  A  friend  observing  that  he  ought  to 
be  more  careful  in  the  use  of  means  for  his  recovery, 
he  replied,  *  If  Christ  be  magnified  whether  in  my 
life  or  death,  that  is  the  great  matter.' 

March  3d.  One  happening  to  talk  in  his  presence 
about  reading  history,  he  remarked,  '  Often  we  read 
history  as  atheists  or  deists,  rather  than  as  christians. 
To  read  of  events  without  observing  the  hand  of  God 
in  them,  is  to  read  as  atheists  :  to  read,  and  not  ob- 
serve how  all  events  conduce  to  carry  on  the  work 
of  redemption,  is  to  read  as  deists.'  In  the  evening, 
his  spirits  being  apparently  sunk,  and  his  relations 
taking  notice  of  it,  he  told  them,  '  A  piece  of  history 
sometimes  hath  amused  me,  when  my  natural  spirits 
were  low,  but  now  I  find  no  pleasure  except  in  medi- 
tating on  the  promises :  I  wish  to  begin  with  that  in 
Genesis,  "  The  seed  of  the  woman  shall  bruise  the 
head  of  the  serpent,"  and  to  delight  myself  with  it,  and 
all  the  rest  that  follow,  to  the  end  of  the  Revelation 
of  John.' 

March  4th.  An  acquaintance  saying  to  him,  that 
it  was  pleasant  to  see  the  great  Mr.  Hervey  insisting 
so  much  on  grace  reigning  through  righteousness. 
*  Yes,'  replied  he, *  that  is  the  doctrine  which  is  good 
to  live  with,  and  good  to  die  with.' 
L  2 


122  SELECT    REMAINS. 

This  being  sabbath  he  went  out  to  hear  a  sermon. 
— After  he  returned  to  his  house,  he  cried,  *  Ohr 
what  a  happy  life  a  Christian  might  have,  if  he  were 
always  persuaded  of  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord !  If  there  were  such  a  thing 
as  exchange  of  learning,  I  should  willingly  quit  with 
all  my  acquaintance  with  languages,  &c.  to  know  ex- 
perimentally what  that  meaneth,  "  I  am  crucified 
with  Christ:  nevertheless  I  live;  yet  not  I,  but 
Christ  liveth  in  me ;  and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in 
the  flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who 
loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me." 

In  the  evening,  being  asked  if  he  thought  himself 
better ;  he  answered  with  a  great  deal  of  composure, 
*  I  am  no  worse :  but  I  do  not  wish  to  have  a  will  in 
that  matter — only  I  would  not  desire  to  live,  and 
yet  not  be  able  for  Christ's  work,  though  perhaps, 
were  God  so  ordering  it,  he  would  enable  me  to  bear 
that  too.' 

March  6.  He  called  his  two  eldest  sons  into  his 
room ;  and  as  they  were  about  to  leave  him  for  a 
time  he  exhorted  them,  in  the  most  earnest  manner, 
to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  to  be  doing  good.  '  No 
doubt,  said  he,  '  I  have  met  with  trials  as  well  as 
others;  yet  so  kind  hath  God  been  to  me,  that  I 
think,  if  God  were  to  give  me  as  many  years  as  I 
have  already  lived  in  the  world,  I  would  not  desire 
one  single  circumstance  in  my  lot  changed — except 
that  I  wish  I  had  had  less  sin.' 

March  20th.  He  became  much  weaker  than  he  was 
before.  His  memory  was  much  impaired,  but  his 
judgement  continued  as  entire  as  ever.  He  conversed 
like  a  man  that  quite  overlooked  earthly  things,  and 
seemed  to  have  his  affections  almost  wholly  set  on 
things  above.  Some  of  his  expressions  were  as  follow : 


SELECT    REMAINS.  123 

1  — I  have  often  wondered  at  the  favour  which 
4  men  have  shewed  to  me,  but  much  more  at  the 
4  favour  of  God  to  such  a  grievous  sinner. 

4  — Oh,  to  be  with  God,  to  see  him  as  he  is — to 
4  know  him  even  as  he  is  known ; — it  is  worthy,  not 
4  merely  of  going  for,  but  of  dying  for,  to.  see  a 
4  smiling  God! 

4  — About  the  year God  said  to  my  soul,  I 

4  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love  j  and  oh, 
4  how  faithful  he  hath  been  to  that  since ! 


4  — There  would  not  have  been  more  grace 
4  shewn  in  the  redemption  of  the  chief  of  devils,  than 
4  in  saving  me ;  the  same  price  would  have  ransom- 
4  ed  them — the  same  strivings  would  have  overcome 
4  them. 

4  — Men  may  talk  of  the  sovereignty  of  redeeming 
4  love  as  they  will ;  but  had  it  not  been  sovereign, 
4  infinitely  sovereign,  I  had  been  as  surely  damned, 
4  as  if  I  were  in  hell  already. 

4  — Were  it  not  that  God  foresaw  our  sins  and 
4  provocations  from  eternity,  he  never  could  have 
4  continued  his  love  to  me,  the  grievous  sinner — the 
4  arrant  rebel :  yet  I  think  he  is  now  preparing  me 
4  for  being  ever  with  himself.  Oh,  what  is  that ! — I 
4  have  done  all  that  lies  in  my  power  to  damn  my- 
4  self;  and,  though  I  will  not  say,  that  God  hath 
*  done  all  that  he  could  to  save  me,  yet  I  am  sure  he 
4  hath  done  a  great  deal. 

4  If  angels  and  men  knew  the  raging  enmity  of 
4  my  heart,  what  would  they  think  of  redeeming 
4  love,  which  hath  pitched  on  me  ! 

4  O,  what  a  miracle  to  see  me,  the  arrant  rebel, 
4  sitting  on  the  throne  with  Jesus ;  and  I  hope  I  shall 
4  be  seen  there  What  cannot  J  emu  do ! 


124  SELECT    REMAINS. 

•  O,  how  these  words,  "  He  loved  mey  and  gave 
c  himself  for  we"  once  penetrated  into  my  heart,  and 

*  made  me  cry,  u  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
4  let  all  that  is  within  me,  be  stirred  up  to  bless  his 

*  holy  name." 

A  friend  asking  him  if  he  had  any  appetite  for  his 
supper,  he  replied,  4  Yes,  Oh,  if  I  had  but  as  good 
4  an  appetite  for  the  fulness  of  God,  as  I  have  for 
4  earthly  victuals !' 

One  observing  to  him,  that  under  all  his  weakness, 
his  mind  seemed  to  be  very  composed :  he  answered, 
4  Indeed  I  am  composed ;  God  hath  put  a  bridle  in 
4  my  mouth ;  and  though  I  have  been  a  most  per- 
4  verse  wretch,  yet  he  hath  strangely  restrained  me : 
4  and,  Oh,  how  amazing !  he  hath  done  this  chiefly 
4  by  loving  kindnesses  and  tender  mercies ;  and  is 
4  not  that  a  strange  bridle  for  such  an  imp  of  hell  as 
4  I  have  been? 

4  I  cannot  say  that  I  have  found  God's  words  and 
1  eaten  them ;  but  truly  his  words  have  found  me, 

*  and  have  been  given  to  me,  and  have  been  to  me 

*  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of  my  heart. 

4  Oh  that  is  a  sweet  little  sentence,  "  We  shall  be 
4  for  ever  with  the  Lord !"— -Oh,  how  sweet ! — for 
4  ever  with  the  Lord  I  And  that  which  makes  the 
4  wonder  is  this,  that  it  is  we  that  are  to  enjoy  this 
4  happiness ;  we  pitiful  wretches  are  to  be  for  ever 
4  with  God  our  Saviour,  God  in  our  nature ! 

4  How  amazing  the  mystery  of  redemption,  in 

*  which  the  rich  deservants  of  hell  are  exalted  to  the 
4  throne  of  God,  and  that  by  the  blood  oi  our  Lord 
4  Jesus  Christ! 

4  Oh,  to  be  brought  to  this  point, 


SELECT    REMAINS.  125 

Then  will  I  to  God's  altar  go, 

To  God  my  chtefest  joy; 
Yea,  God,  my  God,  thy  name  to  praise 

My  harp  I  will  employ.     Psalm  xliii,  4. 

*  I  desire  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is 
far  better:  and  though  I  have  lived  sixty  years  ve- 
ry comfortably  in  this  world,  yet  I  would  gladly 
turn  my  back  on  you  all,  to  be  with  Christ.  I  am 
sure  Christ  may  say  of  me,  u  These  sixty  years 
this  wretch  hath  grieved  me." 

March  21st.  In  the  preceding  evening,  when  he 
fell  asleep,  he  seemingly  left  his  heart  with  Christ; 
and,  if  we  might  guess  his  meditation  by  his  words, 
this  morning  when  he  awakened,  he  was  still  with 
him :  among  the  first  words  which  he  spoke  were 
these ;  4  Oh,  it  is  pleasant  to  enjoy  fellowship  with 
4  Christ!  Any  small  acquaintance  I  have  had  of  him 

*  convinceth  me  of  this.     And  Oh,  how  much  more 

*  pleasure  might  I  have  had,  had  it  not  been  for  my 
4  own  folly  and  wickedness ! 

*  I  think  now  that  I  could  willingly  die  to  see  him, 
4  who  is  white  and  ruddy,  the   chief  among  ten 

*  thousand/ 

When  at  breakfast,  he  expressed  himself  thus.— 
4  How  amazing  that  a  rich  deservant  of  hell  should 
4  get  such  a  meal !  how  much  more  that  a  rich  de- 

*  servant  of  hell  should  get  a  Christ ! 

Addressing  himself  to  his  two  sons  in  the  minis- 
try he  said,  with  peculiar  earnestness,  4  Oh  labour, 
4  labour  for  Christ  while  ye  have  strength ;  I  now 
4  repent  that  I  have  been  so  lazy  and  so  slothful  in 

*  his  service.  Oh,  commend  Jesus!  I  have  been 
4  looking  at  him  for  these  many  years,  and  never  yet 
4  could  find  a  fault  in  him,  but  what  was  of  my  own 
4  making;  though  he  hath  seen  ten  thousand  thou- 


126  SELECT    REMAINS. 

1  sand  faults  in  me.     Many  a  comely  person  I  have 

4  seen,  but  none  so  comely  as  Christ ;  many  a  kind 

4  friend  I  have  had,  but  none  like  Christ  in  loving 

4  kindnesses  and  tender  mercies.9 

Some  short  time  after  he  said  unto  them,  '  I  know 

4  not  whether  ever  I  shall  see  you  together  again  or 

1  not ;  but,  Oh,  labour,  labour  to  win  souls  to  Christ ; 

4  — there  is  none  like  Christ — there  is  none  like 

4  Christ — there  is  none  like  Christ! — I  am  sure  a 

*  poor  worthless  wretch  he  hath  had  of  me;  but  a 
1  precious,  superlatively  precious  Christ  I  have  had 
4  of  him.  Never  grudge  either  purse  or  person  for 
4  Christ ;  I  can  say  this,  that  I  never  was  a  loser  by 

*  any  time  spent,  or  by  any  money  given,  for  him.' 

1  Oh,  the  pains  which  God  has  been  at  to  save  me, 
4  and  the  pains  which  I  have  been  at  to  destroy  my- 
4  self!  but  he  hath  partly  gained,  and  I  hope  that  he 
4  will  completely  gain,  the  victory.' 

After  taking  a  ride  in  a  chaise,  when  he  came  into 
his  house  he  observed,  4  Reading  tires  me,  walking 

*  tires  me,  riding  tires  me;  but,  were  I  once  with 
4  Jesus,  fellowship  with  him  will  never  tire:  44  so 
4  shall  We  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord !" 

In  the  afternoon  he  lay  down  on  his  bed ;  and 
being  asked,  after  he  awaked,  how  he  was,  he  replied, 
4  I  am  no  worse ;  I  am  just  a  monument  of  mercy, 
4  and  that  is  a  great  deal  for  such  a  sinner,  especially 
4  when  I  add,  that  I  am  hoping  for  redemption 
4  through  Christ's  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of 

*  my  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace.' 

4  If  doubting,  disputing,  and  trampling  on  his 
'  kindness  could  have  made  him  change  his  love,  it 
4  had  never  been  continued  towards  me.     Though  I 


SELECT    REMAINS.  127 

have  not  been  left  to  commit  gross  crimes,  yet  He 
and  I  know  the  outrageous  wickedness  of  my 
heart : — such  wickedness  as  would  have  provoked 
any,  but  a  God  of  infinite  love,  to  have  cast  me  into 
hell:  yet,  lo,  instead  of  casting  me  there,  he 
taketh  me  into  his  bosom  and  tells  me,  I  have  loved 
thee  -with  an  everlasting  love,  and  with  loving  kind- 
ness have  I  drawn  thee,  I  will  heal  their  backslid- 
ingSy  and  I  will  love  them  freely* 

\  Oh,  how  the  Lord  hath  borne  and  carried  me ! 
He  hath  indeed  given  me  my  stripes,  but  never 
except  when  I  richly  deserved  them.'  u  Oh,  that 
men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and 
for  his  wonderful  works  towards  the  children  of 


4  I  was  young  when  left  by  my  parents ;  yet  their 
4  instructions,  accompanied  with  God's  dealings, 
4  made  such  impressions  on  my  heart,  as  I  hope  will 

•  continue  with  me  to  all  eternity.  I  have  served 
4  many  masters,  but  none  so  kind  as  Christ ;  I  have 
4  dealt  with  many  honest  men,  but  no  creditor  like 

*  Christ ;  had  I  ten  thousand  hearts,  they  should  all 
4  be  given  to  Christ ;  and  had  I  ten  thousand  bodies, 
4  they  should  all  be  employed  in  labouring  for  his 
4  honour.' 

Seeing  two  or  three  persons  of  his  acquaintance 
sitting  round  him,  he  said.  4 — Now,  sirs,  I  have 
4  sinned  longer,  and  in  more  aggravated  forms,  than 
4  any  of  you;  but  what  sins  cannot  the  blood  of 

4  Christ  wash  out what  cannot  mercy  forgive  1 

44  The  Lord  passed  by  and  proclaimed  his  name ; 
4  the  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious, 
4  long-suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and  in 
4  truth."  Oh  how  astonishing,  that  the  Spirit  of  God 

♦  should  enter  into  our  vile  hearts,  contrary  to  our 


128  SELECT   REMAINS* 

4  strivings!  Even  so  it  seemeth  good  in  his  sight. 

*  X.et  praise  flow,  for  ever  flow!' 

March  22d.  He  had  no  sooner  sat  down  to  break- 
fast, than,  like  a  man  enraptured  with  the  views  of 
glory,  he  gave  vent  to  his  heart,  in  the  mention  of 
the  following  lines : 

They  with  the  fatness  of  thy  house 

Shall  be  well  satisfied : 
From  rivers  of  thy  pleasures  thou 

Wilt  drink  to  them  provide.     Psalm  xxxvi.  8, 

He  repeated  these  lines  thrice,  changing  the  words 
they  and  them  into  we  and  us,  after  which,  he  added, 

*  Oh,  how  strange,  that  rivers  of  pleasure  should  be 

*  provided  for  the  murderers  of  God's  Son,  and  the 

*  contemners  of  his  word!' 

One  of  his  sons  alledging  to  him,  that  he  seemed 
to  be  quite  indifferent  about  things  here :  he  replied, 
1  Indeed  I  am  so  ;  only  I  would  wish  you  my  sons, 
4  my  friends,  my  congregation,  the  church,  and  all 
4  the  world,  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  the  decree  of 
4  God,  were  with  Christ; — from  all  other  things 
1  my  mind  is  weaned :  yet,  if  the  influence  of  God's 
4  Spirit  were  to  be  withdrawn  for  a  moment,  Oh, 
4  how  horridly  my  heart  would  blaspheme!' 

To  one  of  his  hearers,  whose  father  was  an  emi- 
nent Christian,  he  tendered  the  following  advice, 
4  Well — mind  these  words,  "  Thou  art  my  God ; 
4  I  will  prepare  thee  an  habitation ;  my  father's 
4  God ;  I  will  exalt  thee."  We  should  reckon  him 
4  a  madman  that  would  throw  away  a  father's  estate, 
4  but  he  is  much  more  foolish  who  throws  away  a 
4  father's  God, 

Being  told  that  the  day  was  cold,  and  therefore 
his  taking  a  ride  would  perhaps  hurt  him  j  he  said, 


SELECT    REMAINS*  129 

4  Oh,  to  win  to  the  everlasting  day  of  fellowship  with 
1  Christ! — then  shall  we  reflect  with  pleasure  on  all 
''  our  cold  and  sorrowful  days  here.' 

4  For  a  poor  man,  a  dying  man,  a  man  that  hath 
1  much  to  do,  there  is  no  friend  like  Christ.' 

Washing  his  face  in  the  water,  he  said, 4  Oh,  to  be 
4  washed  in  the  water  of  life!'  One  remarking  that 
he  looked  better  than  he  did,  4  It  may  be,'  replied 
hu  ;  •  however,  when  I  am  conformed  to  the  image 
ot  Christ,  I  shall  look  far  better  still.'  This  last  he 
uttered  with  a  pleasant  smile. 

Stepping  into  the  chaise  to  take  his  ride,  and  find- 
ing iiis  inability  to  do  it  himself  without  assistance, 
h  J.  sired  his  friends  to  look  and  see  the  propriety  of 
that  advice,  u  Lei  not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wis- 
dom ;  neither  let  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might; 
let  not  the  rich  man  glory  in  his  riches ;  but  let  him 
that  giorieth,  glory  in  this,  that  he  understandeth 
and  knoweth  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord  which  cxerci- 
seth  loving  kindness,  judgement,  and  righteousness 
in  the  earth." 

Upon  his  return  from  his  ride,  being  asked  how 
he  was ;  he  answered,  '  Well,  well  for  such  a  sinner!' 

To  another,  who  inquired  if  he  felt  himself  any 
easier ;  he  replied,  4  I  cannot  say  that  I  am,  but  I  am 
4  just  as  well  as  my  heart  couid  wish,  if  I  were  but 
4  free  of  sin.' 

When  a  third  acquaintance  proposed  a  similar 
question;  he  observed,  'I  am  well;  for  it  is  with 
4  both  body  and  soul  as  it  pleaseth  God ;  and  what 
4  pleaseth  him  as  a  new  covenant  God,  I  desire  to 
*  say,  pleaseth  me  too.'  Reading  to  him  a  saying  of 
Dr.  Evans's,  shewing  his  resignation  to  the  rod; 
4  Well,'  said  he,  4  that  is  just  what  I  would  have 
4  been  at  too :  Oh  what  kindness  God  has  heaped 
M 


130  SELECT   REMAINS. 

4  upon  me  since  the  year . . . .  !  what  kind  strug- 
4  glings !  what  kind  smilings !  what  kind overlookings 

*  of  my  outrageous  wickedness !  but  he  hath  shew- 

*  ed  himself  to  be  God  and  not  man  in  his  dealings 
4  with  me. 

4  — In  my  mad  attempts  he  hath  often  stopped 
4  me ;  my  mad  wishes  he  hath  refused  to  grant ;  and 
4  my  mad  words  he  hath  often  seemed  to  overlook.' 

Being  asked  if  he  remembered  of  his  preaching  on 
this  text,  Psalm  lxxiii.  22 — u  So  foolish  was  I  and 
ignorant,  and  as  a  beast  before  thee:"  he  replied, 
4  Yes,  I  remember  it  very  well;  and  I  remember 
4  too,  that  when  I  described  the  beast,  I  drew  the 
4  picture  from  my  own  heart.  But  Oh,  amazing 
4  consideration!  u  Nevertheless,  I  am  continually 
4  with  God,  and  he  holdeth  me  by  my  right  hand !" 

When  the  evening  was  come,  and  a  friend  propo- 
sed that  his  clothes  should  be  taken  off;  he  said, 

*  Very  well — I  wTould  not  wish  to  be  a  man  of  strife, 
4  on  the  borders  of  eternity ;  and  especially  when  I 

*  am  as  sure  that  the  redeeming  God  is  mine  own,, 

*  as  that  there  is  an  eternity.' 

March  23d.  Conversing  with  him  about  a  sermon 
which  he  once  preached  on  these  words,  Isa.  xlvi.  4. 
"  Even  to  your  old  age  I  am  He"  he  observed,  that 
he  remembered  discoursing  on  this  text;  and  then 
added,  with  a  sort  of  cheerfulness,  4  I  must  say,  that 
4  I  never  yet  found  God  to  break  his  word  in  this  ; 
4  no,  notwithstanding  all  the  provocations  of  which  J 
4  have  given  him.' 

Walking  in  the  Grass  Park,  which  is  contiguous 
to  his  house,  and  finding  that  he  was  scarce  able  to 
move  forward,  by  reason  of  a  boisterous  wind,  hte 
said  to  a  relation,  who  attended  him,  w  I  find  that  I 
am  but  weak— but. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  131 

Soon  may  the  storms  of  trouble  beat 
The  house  of  bondage  down, 
And  let  the  prisoner  fly — 

Watts. 

When  he  had  taken  his  rest  in  the  afternoon,  he 
awakened  with  these  words,  4  Oh  what  a  wonder 
4  that  I  have  not  slept  into  eternal  life !  rather,  Oh, 
'  what  a  wonder  if  I  should  thus  sweetly  sleep  into 
1  eternal  life!  Oh,  what  is  this!' 

Having  sat  down  to  tea,  he  seemed  to  be  so  much 
under  the  constraining  influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
that  he  could  not  forbear  making  mention  of  the 
mercies  of  the  Lord ; — c  Oh,'  cried  he,  *  God  is  love, 

*  there  is  no  enmity  in  him  at  all! — Again,  there  are 
V  three  things  which  are  very  sweet ; — the  sovereign- 

4  ty,  the  freeness,  and  the  fulness  of  grace.' In  a 

short  time  after,  he  broke  out  in  the  following 
expressions,  4  Oh,  wonderful,  wonderful  subject, 
4  grace!  Oh,  wonderful,  wonderful  means,  by  which 

*  it  vents,  the  righteousness  of  Christ!  and  wonder- 
4  ful,  wonderful  issue,  eternal  life  /' 

An  acquaintance  asking  him  if  he  really  wished  to 
be  strong;  he  replied,  '  I  rather  wonder  that  I  have 
4  so  much  health  and  strength  as  I  have:  many 
4  of  my  fellow  sinners,  and  many  less  sinners  than  I, 

*  are  now  roaring  in  the  place  of  torment,  without 
4  any  hopes  of  deliverance,  while  my  body  is  easy, 
4  and  my  heart  is  in  some  measure  filled  with  his 
4  p*aise.  The  strength  which  I  wish  now,  is  strength 
4  to  walk  up  and  down  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.' 

March  24th.  At  breakfast,  seeing  his  friends 
sitting  around,  he  said, 4  Oh,  sirs!  when  shall  I  take 
4  the  last  Christian  meal  with  you?  I  am  not  weary 
4  of  your  company,  nor  have  I  any  cause ;  but  I 
4  would  fain  be  at  that,  4<  I  will  go  to  God's  altar, 
4  even  unto  God  my  exceeding  joy." 


132  SELECT    REMAINS* 

One  of  his  little  children  coming  to  inquire  for  his 
welfare,  he  desired  her  to  come  near ;  and,  putting  his 
hand  upon  her  head,  he  spake  to  her  in  the  following  ■ 
manner: — 4  Now,  my  little  dear,  Oh,  mind  to  pray 
4  unto  God: — your  father  must  soon  leave  you ;  but 

*  cry  unto  Jesus — "  Thou  art  my  father,  and  the 
4  guide  of  my  youth  ;" — and  then,  though  you  will  not 
4  have  a  room  like  this,  to  come  and  see  your  father 
4  in,  you  will  be  taken  to  a  far  better  Father's  room.' 

Being  told  that  his  eldest  son  was  gone  home,  he 
took  occasion  to  remark,  how  happy  he  should  be,  if 
the  time  of  his  departure  into  the  eternal  world  were 
arrived. — 4  Oh,'  said  he, 4  that  I  were  ready  forgoing 
4  home  to j .'—-About  the  year these  words  were 

•  sweet  to  my  soul — cc  T ftere  remaineth  a  rest  for  the 
4  people  of  God."  oil  not  willing,  sir,'  (said 
one)  4  to  live  and  preach  Christ  V  He  answered, 4  I 
4  would  love  to  preach  Christ,  if  I  live ;  but,  as  to  my 
4  life,  I  have  no  will  in  that  matter ;  I  wish  to  have 
4  my  inclinations  subordinate  to  the  will  of  God.' 

A  friend  observing  that  the  gospel  was  said  to  be 
spreading  in  the  established  Church  of  England — 
4  Oh,'  said  he,  4  well,  well  may  it  spread:  the  gospel 
4  is  the  source  of  my  comfort,  and  every  sinner  is  as 
4  welcome  to  this  source  as  I. — And  Oh,  how  plea- 
4  sant,  that  neither  great  sins,  nor  great  troubles,  do 
4  alter  these  consolations ! — These  words  were  once 
4  sweetly  impressed  upon  my  heart,  Where  sin  a- 
4  bounded,  grace  did  44  much  more  abound."  Oh, 
4  how  it  delighted  me,  to  see  God  taking  the.  advan- 
4  tage  of  my  great  sinfulness,  to  shew  his  great 
4  grace!' 

4  Oh  the  sovereignty  of  God !  I  think  that  he  hath 
1  used  more  means,  to  bring  down  the  enmity  and 
c  rebellion  of  my  heart,  than  he  hath  used  for  an  hun- 
*  dred  beside* 


SELECT    REMAINS.  133 

Receiving  a  glass  of  wine,  he  observed,  4  How 
c  astonishing  that  God's  Son  should  get  gall  and 
4  vinegar  to  drink,  when  his  thirst  was  great ;  and 
'  yet  that  I  should  have  such  wine,  when  my  thirst 

*  is  by  no  means  excessive  !' — Afterwards,  on  a  sim- 
ilar occasion,  he  expressed  himself  to  this  purpose, 
4  I  long  to  drink  of  the  new  wine  in  my  father's. 
L  kingdom,  which  will  neither  hurt  head  nor  heart* 
4  Oh,  that  I  had  all  the  world  around  me,  that  I 
*■  might  tell  them  of  Christ !' 

A  friend  reminding  him  that  through  his  instru- 
mentality, as  a  teacher  of  divinity,  about  sixty  or  se- 
venty ministers  were  engaged  in  preaching  Christ :  he 
replied,  4  Had  I  ten  thousand  tongues,  and  ten  thou- 
4  sand  hearts,  and  were  I  employing  them  all  in 

*  commendation  of  Christ,  I  could  not  do  for  his 

*  honour  as  he  hath  deserved,  considering  his  kind- 


When  at  tea,  he  gave  vent  to  his  grateful  heart  in 
the  following  words :  4 1  am  much  obliged  to  you  all, 
4  and  particularly  to  you,  (addressing  his  wife,)  for 
4  your  kindness  to  me  :  yet  I  must  go  back  to  this> 
44  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is 
4  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee." 

44  He  hateth  putting  away :"  4  I  am  sure  I  have 
*  found  that ;  for,  oh !  the  provocations  which  I  have 
4  given  to  God  to  cast  me  off;  and  yet  to  this  day  he 
4  crowneth  me  with  loving  kindnesses  ! — How  aston- 
4  ishing  the  necessity  of  the  love  of  the  Son  of  God  I 
4  Once  I  thought  that  I  got  a  ravishing  sight  of  the 
4  necessity  of  his  loving  me,  the  sinner;  he  said, 
44  Other  sheep  I  have ;  them  I  must  bring." 


4  — Oh,  his  kindness,  his  kindness !  I  have  shared 

of  his  frowns,  as  well  as  of  his  smiles : -little 

M  2 


134  SELECT    REMAINS. 

4  frowns  in  comparison  of  what  I  deserved! — yet 
4  when  I  even  abused  these  frowns,  as  well  as  his 
*  smiles,  he  hath  often  overcome  me  with  tender 


To  some,  who  asked  him  if  he  was  any  worse,  he 
made  this  reply :  4  I  am  weak,  but  I  am  well,  con- 

*  sidering  that  I  am  such  a  sinner.  I  may  say, 
44  Goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  all  the 
4  days  of  my  life;"  and  I  hope  to  "  dwell  in  the 
4  house  of  God  for  ever." 

Speaking  to  him  about  his  supper,  he  cried  out, 
4  Oh,  to  be  there,  where  they  "hunger  no  more, nor 
4  thirst  any  more ;   but  are  filled  with  the  fatness  of 

*  God's  house !" 

One  of  his  younger  children  he  exhorted  in  this 
form ;  4  Now  cry  to  God,  Thou  art  my  Father :  I  do 
4  not  think  that  I  was  much  older  than  you,  when 
4  God  caused  me  to  claim  him  ;  and  Oh,  God  hath 
4  been  good  to  me  !  It  is  long  since  he  said,  "  Leave 
4  thy  fatherless  children  upon  me,  and  I  will  pre- 
4  serve  them  alive,  and  let  thy  widows  trust  in  me." 
— 4  As  I  know  not  but  I  am  dying  of  this  distress, 
4  I  have  essayed  to  cast  you  on  the  Lord ;  see  that 
4  you  cast  yourself  on  him.' 

March  25th.  4  Long  ago  I  thought  to  have  known 

*  by  experience  what  is  meant  by  u  dying  in  the 
4  Lord ;"  that  is  a  lesson,  however,  which  I  have 
4  no  yet  learned,  but  I  will  not  quit  hopes  of  learning 
4  it  still. 


4  Were  it  not  that  the  blood  of  Christ  cleanseth 
from  all  sin,  damnation  would  be  my  lot ;  but  "  in 
him  I  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  accord- 
ing to  the  riches  of  his  grace,"     And  if  Christ  be 


SELECT    REMAINS.  135 

4  glorified  to  the  highest,  and  I  ashamed  to  the 
4  lowest,  I  am  content. 

4  These  words  were  6nc5e  sweet  to  my  soul,  I  am 
xi  less  than  the  least  of  his  mercies."  '  I  that  thought 

*  that  I  was  not  worthy  of  the  smallest  favour,  yet  I 

*  aimed  to  apprehend  the  greatest  gift. — Oh,  amaz- 
4  ing  scheme,  redemption !  Amazing  contrivance  of 
'  it  by  God  the  Father ! — Amazing  work  of  the  Sort 
4  purchasing  it ! — Amazing  application  of  it  by  the 
1  Holy  Ghost! — and  amazing  possession  of  it  by 

*  men! 

4  It  is  now  many  years  since  God  put  me  into  the 
*■  state,  that  I  could  not  totally  apostatize  from  him  ; 

*  though  no  thanks  to  me,  for  I  have  done  my  utmost 

*  against  him,  and  yet  he  hath  held  me ;  I  know  not 

*  if  there  ever  was  a  sinner,  such  a  perverse  wretch 
4  as  I.' 

One  asking  him  if  he  remembered  who  it  was  that 
said  on  his  death-bed,  that  God  had  fulfilled  all  the 
promises  in  the  91st  Psalm  to  him  but  the  last,  "  His 
eyes  shall  see  my  salvation,"  and  now  he  was  going  to* 
receive  the  accomplishment  of  that  P  He  said  4  No ;' 
and  added,  raising  his  voice,  4  But  I  know  a  man  to 
4  whom  almost  all  the  lines  of  that  Psalm  have  been 

*  sweet : — I  think,  if  ever  God  touched  my  heart,  he 
4  went  through  that  Psalm  with  me.' 

March  26th.  Being  asked  how  he  had  slept,  he 
replied  in  his  common  style, 4  Good  rest  for  such  a 
4  sinner.' — Said  the  friend, 4  You  know  that  he  giv- 
4  eth  his  beloved  sleep.' — 4  It  is  true,'  replied  he,  but 
4  sure  God  hath  no  cause  to  love  me.' 


4  Long  ago  Jehovah  silenced  me  with  this, 4  Is  there 
any  thing  too  hard  for  the  Lord  V  and  to  this  day 


136  SELECT   REMAINS* 

c  I  have  never  found  out  the  thing,  though  perhaps 

*  I  have  resisted  his  Spirit  more  than  ever  a  sin- 
4  nerdid.' 

r  I  wish  to  be  at  that  point,  "  He  hath  put  to  me 
4  the  everlasting  covenant,  ordered  in  all  things  and 

*  sure ;  .  "  for  this  is  all  my  salvation,  and  all  my 

*  desire." 

Expressing  his  resignation  in  this  manner,  4  I  am 

*  entirely  at  the  Lord's  will ;'  an  acquaintance  re- 
marked to  him,  that  4  such  resignation  was  not  the 
4  attainment  of  every  Christian :'  he  answered 

*  This  is  rather  what  I  would  be  at  than  what  I  have 
c  attained.' 

Happening  to  speak  about  the  students  of  divinityv 
who  had  been  under  his  charge;  he  said,  4  I  wish 
4  them  all  more  serious  and  diligent  than  ever  I  have 
4  been  j  I  hope,  however,  that  God  will  not  cast  me 
4  off  as  a  slothful  and  wicked  servant :  I  am  sure 

*  that  he  44  hateth  putting  away." 

A  friend  observing,  that  4  It  is  an  unspeakable 
4  mercy,  that  God  does  not  deal  with  us  according 

*  to  our  works ;'  he  replied — 4  Ah,  if  God  were  to 

*  deal  with  men  that  way  (I  will  not  except  the  apos- 
4  tie  Paul)  the  hottest  place  in  hell  would  be  the  lot 
4  of  us  ministers !' 

4  I  think  the  early  death  of  my  father  and  mother, 
4  the  death  of  a  wife,  and  of  children,  in  a  remarka- 
4  ble  manner,  wrought  for  my  good.  I  could  not  but 
4  notice,  that  when  God  took  away  these,  he  always 
4  supplied  their  room  v/ith  himself: — May  he  deal 
4  thus  with  you  when  I  die  ! 

4  My  mind  is  now  so  wavering,  that  I  have  little 

*  remembrance  of  what  is  past,  little  apprehension 


SELECT    REMAINS.  137 

k  of  what  is  present,  and  little  foresight  of  what  is 
4  future:  but,  Oh  what  a  mercy,  that  when  once  the 
4  everlasting  arms  of  Jesus  are  underneath  he  will 
4  not  lose  his  gripe. — u  Israel  shall  be  saved  in  the 
4  Lord  with  an  everlasting  salvation." 

4  Here  is  a  wonder — a  sinner  saved  by  the  bloo4 

*  of  God's  Son !  There  are  wonders  in  heaven,  and 

*  wonders  in  the  earth  ;  but  the  least  part  of  redemp- 
4  tion  work  is  more  wonderful  than  them  all.' 

March  27th.  When  some  of  his  relations  express- 

4  ed  their  wishes  for  his  recovery  ; — c  I  wish,'  said  he, 

4  that  God  may  do  what  is  most  for  his  glory,  and 

4  for  the  good  of  my  soul.     Were  it  left  to  me,  whe- 

4  ther  I  would  choose  life  or  death,  I  would  not  turn 

4  a  straw  for  either,  but  would  refer  it  wholly  to  God 

4  himself. All  my  days  I  have  been  rebelling 

4  against,  and  vexing,  his  Holy  Spirit ;  yet  I  may 

4  say,  this  has  been  the  sum  of  his  conduct  toward 

;  me — 44  He  wrought  for  his  name's  sake,  that  it 

1  should  not  be  polluted." 


4  Oh,  how  God  hath  exemplified  that  law  in  his 
1  conduct  toward  me;  44  if  thine  enemy  hunger, 
4  feed  him  ;  if  he  thirst,  give  him  to  drink  ;"  and  in 
4  so  doing  I  hope  he  hath  heaped  hot  melting  coals 
4  of  fire  upon  my  head.' 

One  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry  coming  in  to 
see  him,  he  addressed  him  to  this  purpose : — c  Now 
4  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  kindness ;  but,  Oh 
4  entreat  Christ  to  pay  me  a  visit:  I  do  you  no 
4  wrong  when  I  say,  that  I  would  not  give  half  an 
4  hour's  visit  of  Christ,  for  days,  or  months,  or  years, 
*  of  yours. 

*  Any  thing  that  I  know  about  religion  is  this,  that 


138  SELECT    REMAINS. 

*  I  have  found  weakness  and  wickedness  about  my- 

*  self  j  and  grace,  mercy,  and  loveliness  about  Jesus/ 

When  a  friend  observed  to  him,  that  we  must  run. 
deeper  and  deeper  in  grace's  debt ;  he  replied — 4  Oh 

*  yes;  and  God  is  a  good  creditor;  he  never  seeks 

*  back  the  principal  sum,  and  indeed  puts  up  with  a 

*  poor  annual  rent.' 

A  number  of  his  acquaintances  sitting  round  him 
while  he  dined,  he  broke  out  with  these  words: 
4  Well,  sirs,  may  we  at  last  all  meet  at  the  table 

*  above,  and  enjoy  a  feast  there : — no  pain,  no  com- 
4  plaining,  no  trouble,  there ;  but  there  is  everlasting 

*  joy  and  peace. 

4  Oh,  how  strangely  Christ  hath  stuck  to  me !  per- 

*  haps  not  one  in  hell  ever  gave  more  opposition ; 
4  his  cords  of  love,  which  he  threw  about  m^,  I  cast 
4  away ;  the  words  which  he  spake  to  me  I  contemn- 
4  ed ;  yet  I  think  he  hath  made  me  to  yield. 

*  I  never  deserved  another  word  but  this, 4  Depart 
1  from  me  ye  cursed  into  everlasting  fire :'  but  Christ 
-;  hath  spoken  far  other  words  to  me  ;  and,  Oh,  how 

*  enlightening,  melting,  and  healing,  their  influence 
%  hath  been! 

4  What  a  mercy  that  God  himself  enableth  us  to 
4  believe  ;  for  that  unbelief  of  our  hearts  would  call 

*  all  the  promises  rank  lies,  if  God  did  not  stop  its 

4  mouth.' 

Asking  if  this  was  Saturday,' he  was  told,  No,  it 
was  Tuesday,  and  that  he  seemed  to  long  for  the 
sabbath :  4  I  do,'  replied  he, l  weary  for  the  sabbath  ; 
4  and  I  would  fain  be  at  wearying  for  the  everlasting 
1  sabbath ;  then  shall  I  have  no  need  of  the  assist- 

*  ance  of  preachers ;  nor  will  I  even  need  the  blessed 


SELEGT   REMAINS.  $$& 

Bible  itself:  God's  face  will  serve  me  for  preachers 
and  Bible  too.' 

March  28th.  *  Oh,  that  is  a  strange  text,  *  God 
so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  might  not 
perish,  but  hive  everlasting  life." — This  declara- 
tion would  set  our  hearts  all  on  fire,  if  they  were 
not  infernally  frozen;  and,  indeed,  closely  applied 
u  Hpiy  Ghost,  it  would  set  them  on  fire,  even 
a  infernaiiy  frozen.  He  once  applied  it  with 
such  lower  to  my  soul,  that  i  think  the  application 
would  have  iaftamed  the  heart  of  a  devil,  had  it 
been  so  spoken  to  him/ 

To  his  sons  in  the  ministry,  he  repeated  the  exhor- 
tations which  he  gave  ..h  m  before. — 4  Oh  labour, 
4  labour  to  win  solus  to  Christ;  I  will  say  this  for 
4  your  encouragement,  that,  when  the  Lord  led  me 
4  out  to  be  most  earnest  in  this  way,  he  poured  in 
4  most  comfort  into  my  own  heart ;  so  that  he  gave 
4  me  my  reward  in  my  bosom:  and  when  I  have 
4  tried  to  help  vacancies,  the  Loru  hath  repaid. me 
4  well  with  glimpses  of  his  glory.  Wt  re  ihe  Lord 
4  to  make  me  young  again,  I  think  that  I  should 
4  study  to  devise  other  means  for  the  gaining  of  souls 
4  than  those  which  I  have  used,  and  to  prosecute 
4  them  with  more  activity  than  ever  I  did.' 

To  an  acquaintance,  that  inquired  about  his  wel- 
fare, he  gave  this  account :  4  I  am  but  weak ;  but 
4  it  is  delightful  to  find  one's  self  weak  in  everlasting 
4  arms  :  Oh,  how  much  do  I  owe   my  Lord! 

4  What  a  mercy,  that  once  within  the  covenant, 
*  there  is  no  getting  out  of  it  again :  now  I  find  my 
4  faculties  much  impaired.'  His  relations  answer- 
ing that  it  was  omy  his  memory  which  seemed  to  be 


149  SELECT    REMAINS, 

4  affected  with  his  distress: — '  Well,'  said  he,  *Ohf  ■ 
1  how  marvellous  that  God  hath  continued  my 
'  judgement,  considering  how  much  I  have  abused 
4  it ;  and  continued  my  hope  of  eternal  life,  though 
4  I  have  misimproved  it!  "  But  where  sin  hath 
4  reigned  unto  death,  grace,  hath  reigned  through 
4  righteousness,  unto  eternal  life,  by  Christ  Jesus 

*  our  Lord." 

*  My  memory  is  much  failed ;  but,  were  death 
4  once  over,  I  will  remember  God's  heaping  of  nier- 
4  cits,  and  my  multiplied  provocations :  and  when  I 
4  view  the  first  on  one  side,  and  the  last  on  the  other, 
4  on  a  new  covenant  footing,  I  will  sing  thanksgiv- 
4  ings  to  God  for  ever.' 

Speaking  about  sermons,  he  remarked,  4  So  far  as 

*  ever  I  observed  God's  dealings  with  my  soul,  the 
4  flights  of  preachers  sometimes  entertained  me ;  but 
4  it  was  scripture  expressions  which  did  penetrate 
4  my  heart,  and  that  in  a  way  peculiar  to  themselves.' 

To  one,  who  alleged,  that  if  he  were  not  happy 
afterwards,  many  had  reason  to  be  afraid,  he  gave  a 
reply  to  the  following  purpose : — w  i  have  no  other 
4  ground  to  be  happy,  than  what  is  by  redemption 
4  through  the  blood  oi  Christ,  and  that  is  suited  to 
4  you  as  well  as  to  me.' 

Expressing  his  resignation  to  the  will  of  God,  one 
of  his  relations  observed,  c  that  he  seemed  to  sway  to 
one  side,  and  his  friends  to  another:'  *  I  own,'  said 
he,  *  that  I  do  sway  to  one  side,  for  I  desire  to  de- 
4  part,  and  to  be  with  Jesus,  which  is  far  better,  and 
4  you  selfishly  wish  me  to  live  with  you.' — The  rela- 
tion answering,  that  he  hoped  it  was  not  wholly  sel- 
fishness with  them  ;  perhaps  it  was  for  the  good  of 
the  church,  that  they  desired  his  life  prolonged; — he 


8EXECT  REMAINS.  141 

*eptted, #  Indeed  it  may  be  selfishness  with  us  both ; 
*'  I  confess  it  may  be  selfishness  in  me  to  wish  to  be 

*  with  Christ ;  but  Oh,  that  God  had  never  seen  any 

*  other  selfishness  in  me  than  that !' 

♦  Oh,  what  must  Christ  be  in  himself,  when  he 
"•  sweetens  heaven,  sweetens  scriptures,  sweetens  or- 

*  dinances,  sweetens  earth,  and  even  sweetens  trials ! 

*  Oh,  what  must  that  Christ  be  in  himself!* 

*  Oh,  to  have  all  our  troubles  sanctified  to  us !  and 
4  then,  when  in  the  eternal  world,  we  will  with  plea- 

*  sure  look  back  and  see,  that  through  fire  and  water, 
4  he  brought  us  to  the  wealthy  place.* 

One  of  his  children  saying  to  him, i  Father,  we 
4  would  fain  have  you  to  live  f  he  answered,  '  Well, 
4  I  believe  so,  but  I  would  fain  be  with  Christ.'-— 
4  But  would  you  not  wish  to  take  us  with  you.''  said 
the  other.  He  replied, — c  It  is  not  I,  but  Christ, 
4  who  must  do  that: — however,  as  to  my  departure, 
4  I  will  not  set  the  time  of  it  to  God ;  he  is  wise,  and 
4  I  am  a  fool.'  Being  told  that  he  done  much  good 
to  souls  since  the  year  1764,  when  he  said  he  wished 
to  be  gone ;  he  observed, 4  Oh,  how  strange,  that  God 
4  should  make  use  of  one  so  sinful  as  I  to  do  good  to 
4  others !  But  I  believe  that  he  was  wiser  than  me  -f 
4  and  I  shall  see  this  more  clearly  when  in  the  eter- 
4  nal  state.'  Reading  to  him  Mr.  Erskine's  poem, 
which  is  calkd  The  Work  and  Contention  of  Heaven, 
he  remarked, 4  Well,  though  I  should  never  wish  to 
4  see  contention  in  the  church  on  earth,  yet  I  should 
4  be  willing  to  join  in  Ralph's  contention  above. 
4  Were  I  once  in  heaven,  I  think  that  I  would  con- 
4  tend  with  the  best  of  them  ;  and  I  know  that  our 

*  contentions  there  will  not  raise  heats,  but  excite 
'•  love  to  one  another.'  When  he  received  a  glass  of 
wine,  he   with  a  smile  addressed  his  friends  ■     ■ 

N 


142  SELECT  REMAINS, 


« 


Now,  sirs,  I  wish  you  all  new  wine  in  the  kingdom 
of  the  Father  at  last,  and  new  wine  from  the  king- 
dom of  the  Father,  while  you  are  on  the  way  to 


At  supper,  with  his  usual  cheerfulness,  he  men* 
tioned  these  lines : 

"  They  with  the  fatness  of  thy  bouse 
"  Shall  be  well  satisfied:"  &c. 

and  then  added, 4  If  earth  transformed,  partly  by  the 
'  instrumentality  of  men,  is  so  delicious,  Oh,  what 

*  must  the  fatness  of  God's  house  be,  the  flesh  and 

*  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ? 

March  29th.  Among  the  first  words  which  he 
tittered  were  these ;  i  Oh,  what  a  rebellious  child  I 
4  have  been  to  God !  and  Oh,  what  a  kind  Father  he 

*  hath  been  to  me !  I  need  not  go  farther  than  myself, 
*~  to  see  "  that  God  is  love,"  lor  ever  in  my  trouble 
4  he  treats  me  as  a  mother  doth  her  only  sucking 
<  child.' 

A  friend  happening  to  say,  '  I  suppose  you  make 
•*  not  your  labours  for  the  good  of  the  church,  the 

*  ground  of  your  comfort ;'  he,  with  a  sort  of  un- 
common earnestness,  replied, — l  No,  no,  no  !  it  is 

*  the    FINISHED    RIGHTEOUSNESS  OF  CHRIST  which 

*-  is  the  only  foundation  of  my  hope :  I  have  no  more 

*  dependance  on  my  labours  than  on  my  sins.     I  ra- 

*  ther  reckon  it  a  wonder  of  mercy,  that  God  took 
4  any  of  my  labours  off  my  hand  :  '*  Righteousness 

*  belongeth  unto  him,  but  unto  me  shame  and  con- 
4  fusion  of  face,"  If  the  Lord  were  to  render  unto 
4  me  according  to  my  works,  the  hottest  place  in 
4  hell  would  be  my  reward  ;  yet  by  Christ's  works 
4  eternal  life  to  the  most  worthless  wretch,  is  but  a 
4  suitable  recompense*' 


SELECT    REMAINS,  14& 

Taking  a  walk  through  the  house,  as  he  stepped 
along,  he  cheerfully  repeated  these  lines  in  the  89th 
Psalm  : 

"In  brightness  of  thy  face,  O  Lord, 

"  They  ever  on  shall  go  ; 
"  They  in  thy  name  shall  all  the  day 

"  Rejoice  exceedingly ; 
•*  And  in  thy  righteousness  shall  they 

"  Exalted  be  on  high." 

*  Oh  that  will  be  sweet,  when  the  redeemed  df 
4  the  Lord  shall  walk  thus  in  heaven,'  said  he  ;  and 
then  added,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  '  And  I  am  sure, 
r  that   I  may  think  shame  to  appear  among  them  ; 

*  but  the  more  shame  and  disgrace  I  deserve,  the 
r  more  glory  God  will  get.  Oh  what  strange 
4  things  God  hath  done  to  save  me  !  By  afflictions 

*  on  my  own  body,  by  the  deaths  of  my  parents,  by 

*  bringing  me  to  ordinances,  by  reproofs  of  consci- 
••  ence,  he  hath  striven  with  me  for  my  salvation.* 
Walking  out  to  the  grass  park,  and  happening  to 
apeak  about  the  A  ■  r  meeting  house,  which  is  at 
a  small  distance  from  it,  he  could  not  forbear  shew- 
ing his  zeal  for  the  good  of  souls.  '  I  would  be 
4  happy,'  said  he,  4  if  my  A r  brother  had  ten 

*  for  my  one,  as  crowns  of  joy  at  the  last  day  ;  though 
4  I  must  say,  that  I  would  wish  to  have  as  many  as 
4  possible  ;  but  Oh,  it  will  be  a  strange  honour  for 
4  such  a  wretch  as  I,  to  have  half  a  dozen.' 

March  30th.  To  one  who  inquired  about  his 
welfare,  he  said,  *  I  sit  here  an  instance  of  human 

*  frailty ;  and,  I  would  fain  add,  an  amazing  instance 
4  of  God's  kindness  in  redemption.' — Some  persons 
speaking  about  an  ill  bargain  in  his  hearing,  he  took 
occasion  to  remark,  4  Oh  how  happy  to  have  an  in- 
4  terest  in  Christ !  that  is  a  bargain  which  will  never 

*  break  ;  and  by  that,  we,  though  naturally  heirs  of 


144  SELECT    REMAINS 

4  hell,  are  entitled  unto  eternal  life.'— Often  he  cried 
out,  « I  find  that  I  am  not  strong ;  but,  Oh,  it  is  a 
*  wonder  that  I  am  not  damned ! — I  bless  God,  that 
1  at  least  I  know  thus  much  about  religion,  I  am 
4  convinced  that  I  am  as  a  beast  before  God.' 


March  31st.  'I  remember  that  about  the  year— 
4  I  was  breathing  out  slaughter  against  the  Lord 
c  Jesus ;  but  that  was  always  the  turn  of  the  tale, 
"  Yet  I   obtained  mercy."      If  I  were  offered  the 

*  crown  of  Britain,  instead  of  the  fellowship  with 
4  Christ,  which  I  then  enjoyed,  I  would  not  hesitate1 

*  a  moment  about  choosing  the  latter.' 

4  Oh  the  debt  of  grace  is  a  strange  kind  of  debt ! 
4  Were  I  even  now,  two  or  three  hundred  pounds  in 
1  debt  to  any  man,  it  would  considerably  distress 
4  me  ;  but  the  views  of  my  debt  to  free  grace,  re- 
4  markubly  refresh  my  heart.' 

April  1st.  4  Were  I  once  in  heaven*  a  look  of 
4  Christ  will  cure  my  broken  memory,  and  all  my 
4  other  weaknesses.  There  I  shall  not  need  wine* 
4  nor  spirits  to  recruit  me ;  no,  nor  shall  I  mind 
4  them,  but  as  Christ  was  through  them  kind  to  me.* 

Seeing  the  fire  stirred,  he  said,  '  Oh  to  have  my 
4  heart  stirred,  and  set  in  an  eternal  flame  o(  love  to 
4  that  dear  Son  of  God,  of  whom  I  think  I  can  say, 
44  he  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me ;"  and  I  am 
sure,  in  point  of  worthlessness,  he  4  might  as  well 
4  have  loved  Beelzebub  himself.' 

April  3d.  Sitting  down  in  the  park,  and  the  sun 
shining  bright  upon  his  face,  he  cried  out  in  a  kind 
of  transport, 4  Oh,  how  pleasant  to  be  forever  behold- 
4  ing  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  in  heaven,  and  how 

*  pleasant  even  in  time  to  see  him  by  faith  £ 


SELECT    REMAINS.  14$ 

.  One  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry  paying  him  a 
visit,  and  saying,  among  other  things,  c  Sir,  we  could 
4  not  well  want  you :'  he  replied,  4  Oh  yes,  you 
4  could  easily  want  me,  and  I  would  wish  to  be  with 
4  Jesus ;  mean  time  I  am  wholly  at  the  Lord's  dis- 
4  posal.     If  the  Lord  would  make  me  useful  in  the 

*  church,  I  have  no  objections  against  living ;  but  if 
4  not,  I  would  rather  die.'  Upon  his  friend  observ- 
ing that  the  Lord  seemed  to  be  very  kind  to  him  j 
he  said,  4  Yes,  God  hath  been  heaping  favours  upon 

*  the  sinner,  these  forty  years  past ;  and  I  will  s-ay  to 
c  his  honour,  that  he  hath  made  my  days  of  affliction 
4  always  the  happiest;  indeed  I  think  that  I  have 
4  seldom  had  very  sweet  days,  except  when  I  have 
4  met  with  affliction  one  way  or  another.'  Being 
asked  by  his  brother,  if  he  felt  no  uneasiness  at  leav- 
ing his  family  and  congregation,  he  answered, 4 1  can- 
1  not  say  that  I  feel  any  such  uneasiness ;  not  but 
4  that  I  regard  them  ;  but  I  know  that  a  God  ia 
4  Christ  can  infinitely  more  than  supply  my  room. 
4  I  might  be  spared,  and  be  of  little  use  to  them ;  but 
4  God  will  be  infinitely  useful.  My  parents  were 
4  taken  from  me  when  I  was  young,  and  God  hath 
4  been  far  better  to  me  since,  than  they  could  have 
4  been.'  4  What  think  you,'  said  the  friend,  4  of  the 
4  present  state  of  the  church  V  He  replied,  4  The 
4  church  at  present  is  in  a  very  poor  condition,  but 
4  the  Lord  can  revive  her  :  I  have  often  found,  that 
4  when  wicked  lusts  and  wicked  devils,  have  caused 
4  great  disorder  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  hath  brought 

*  order  out  of  confusion.     This  partly  encourages 

*  me  to  believe,  that  though  wicked  men  and  wicked 
4  devils  cause  disorder  in  the  church,  yet  the  Lord 
4  will  make  all  things  to  work  together  for  good,  to 
4  his  own  elect.  I  do  not  expect  to  see  it ;  yet  it  is 
4  the  joy  of  my  heart,  that  the  time  is  coming,  when 
4  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the  king- 
4  doms  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;—- 

N  2 


146  SELECT    REMAIN*. 

<  Dead  churches  shall  yet  be  quickened ;  apostate 

*  churches  shall  yet  be  recovered;  and  churches 
c  shall  be  planted  where  there  were  none  before.' 

April  4th.     Finding  himself  very  feeble,  he  ob- 

*  served,  '  My  legs  are  of  little  use,  my  head  is  of 
4  little  use,  and  my  hands  are  of  little  use  j  but  my 
c  God  in  Christ  is  the  same  to  me  now  as  ever.' 

Speaking  about  the  synod,  which  was  to  meet  in 
the  month  of  May,  he  said  he  believed  he  should 
not  be  able  to  attend ;  and  then  added,  u  Oh,  if  the 
Spirit  of  God  would  bring  me  to  the  general  synod 
of  the  church  of  the  first-born,  that  would  be  far 
better ;  no  idle  words,  no  angry  speeches,  no  sinful 
ignorance,  no  haughty  pride  there !  After  all,  it  is 
a  mercy  that  Jesus,  the  great  manager  of  the 
church,  can  overrule  even  our  contentions  here  for 
his  own  glory.' 

April  5th.  When  he  took  his  walk  in  the  park, 
he  pointed  to  several  spots,  where  he  said,  that  his 
soul  had  been  ravished  with  the  views  of  free  grace: 

*  Yea,'  said  he,  4  on  certain  occasions,  my  soul  has 
4  been  so  transported  there,  that  as  the  apostle  speaks, 
"  Whether  I  was  in  the  body  or  out  of  the  body,  I 
4t  could  scarce  tell:"  and  perhaps  it  is  superstitious 
4  in  me,  but  I  confess  that  I  have  a  peculiafclove  to 

*  these  very  spots/ 

After  he  came  into  his  house,  and  found  himself 
tired  with  his  walk,  he  expressed  the  wish  of  his 
heart  in  these  words ;  '  Oh,  that  will  be  a  pleasant 
4  journey,  "  The  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return, 
"  and  come  to  Z:on  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy 
44  upon  their  heads ;  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  glad- 
*•*  ness,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away.' 


SELECT    REMAINS.  147 

Talking  about  mercy,  he  observed,  '  I  could  wish 

*  to  live  and  die  a  deep,  deep  debtor  to  mercy;  and 

*  that  none  of  my  works  should  ever  be  mentioned, 
4  but  as  manifestations  of  mercy,  in  enabling  such  a 
4  sinner  to  do  any  thing  for  the  honour  of  the   God 

*  of  mercy,  and  for  promoting  the  work  of  mercy  io 
4  the  welfare  oi  others.' 

To  an  acquaintance,  who  came  to  ask  for  his  wel- 
fare, he  spake   in  the  following  manner : — 4  Well, 

*  you  see  I  am  a  prisoner  here  in  my  own  house  ;  but, 

*  Oh,  that  is  a  happy  (I  do  not  choose  to  call  it  an 

*  imprisonment,  but  a)  sort  of  confinement,  in 
4  a  Redeemer's  arms,  and  in  the  covenant  of  grace.* 

April  6th.  4  How  true  is  that  saying,  "  Man  in 
"  in  his  best  state  is  altogether  vanity !"  I  am  not 

*  one  of  the  oldest,  yet  I  find  myself  exceedingly 
4  feeble; — however,  although  I   am  weak,   I   have 

*  reason  to  be  thankful  I  am  not  damned.' 

*  Oh  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  permitting  some, 

*  both  of  angels   and  of  men,  to  fall  into  misery ; 

*  while  it  secures  the  happiness  of  the  rest  to  all  eter- 
4  nity!' 

As  an  evidence  of  the  tenderness  of  his  conscience^ 
he  frejfuendy  gave  this  hint  to  his  consort:  4  I  hope 
4  you  will  take  care,    when    I  am  speaking  to  any 

*  acquaintance,  that  I  do  not  say  anything  trifling  to 
4  them :  it  is  not  my  honour  that  I  mind  in  this,  but 

*  I  should  be  vexed,  now  that  I  am  a  dying  man,  if  I 
4  should  say  any  thing  to  the  dishonour  of  Christ,  to 
4  the  grief  of  the  godly,  or  to  be  a  stumbling  block  to 
4  the  wicked ;  indeed  it  would  be  ill  on  my  part  to 
4  act  thus.' 

April  9th#     Being  asked  how  he  was  now,  he 


148  SELECT    REMAINS, 

replied,  *  I  am  weak  ;  but  the  motto  of  each  of  my 
4  days  is,  "  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  as  we  have 
4  sinned,  neither  rewarded  us  according  to  our  ini- 
4  quities." 

Sitting  down  in  the  park,  and  finding  his  eyes  una- 
ble to  bear  the  bright  shining  of  the  su.?,  he  remarked, 
4  Oh  how  pleasant  to  be  in  that  place,  where  they 
4  are  so  overcome  with  the  glory  of  the  Sun  of 
4  Righteousness,  that  they  have  to  cover  their  faces 
4  with  their  wings  !' 


Having  occasion  to  converse  about  young  meu 
coming  out  to  the  ministry,  he  observed,  '  Well, 
4  though  pride  prevails  much  in  my  heart,  yet  I  think, 
4  I  would  trample  it  thus  far  under  my  feet,  as  that 
4  I  would  be  glad  to  see  all  my  students,  and  not  only 
4  they,  but  all  the  faithful  ministers  of  Jesus,  bring- 
4  ing  hundreds  or  thousands  of  souls  with  them  into 
4  heaven,  though  I  should  have  but  five  or  six.' 

Taking  him  into  his  meeting  house,  he  looked 
round  him  and  said,  4  Now,  weak  as  I  am,  I  would 
4  try  to  preach  yet,  if  I  had  none  to  preach  an  my  stead. 
4  Oh,  what  sweet  fellowship  with  Christ  I  have  had 
4  here  !  and  that  pulpit  hath  been  the  best  place  in 
4  all  the  house  to  me.' 

t 

A  young  surgeon  paying  him  a  visit  he  thought  it 
proper  to  tender  some  advices  to  him  ;  among  other 
things  he  observed,  that  persons  in  this  profession- 
had  excellent  opportunities  of  conversing  with  dying 
sinners  about  their  eternal  state ;  that  their  patients 
would  probably  pay  more  attention  to  religious  hints 
from  them,  than  from  some  others ; — that  while  they 
gave  cures  to  others,  they  should  never  forget  to  ap- 
ply to  Christ  for  spiritual  healing  themselves.  As 
he  was  evidently  turning  hoarse  with  speaking,  one 


SELECT    REMAINS.  149 

of  his  relations  reminded  him,  that  he  was  exhaus- 
ting himself,  and  begged  him  to  forbear  for  a  little* 
He  made  this  reply — '  Well,  I  shall  say  no  more  evew 
1  now  j  but,  Oh,  to  be  at  that, — 

"  My  meuth  the  praxes  of  the  Lord 

«'  To  publish  cease  fjull  never; 
"  Let  all  flesh  bless  hi*  holy  name 

•'  For  ever  and  for  ever."    Ps.  c*lv.  21. 

May  6th.  Lying  on  his  back  in  the  bed,  and1 
being  exceedingly  faint,  he  observed,  with  a  low  tone 
of  voice,  ■  Here  is  a  lecture  on  that  text,  "  Vanity  of 

*  vanities ;  all  that  cometh  is  vanity  and  vexation  of 
4  spirit  j"  for  what  a  poor  useless  creature  am  I  now  ! 
4  But  Oh,  what  a  mercy  that  Christ  can  raise  glory 

*  to  himself  out  of  mere  vanity  V  In  uttering  these 
last  words,  his   heart  seemed  to  be  quite  overcome* 

When  a  friend  alledged  to  him,  that  he  appeared 
to  be  sunk  in  his  spirits  j  he  replied, — l  I  am  so ;  but 

*  it  is  not  in  the  least  through  any  terror,  but  just 

*  through  weakness.' 

Being  asked  if  he  was  not  afraid  to  enter  into  a 
world  of  spirits,  he  answered,  4  No  ;  a  persuasion 
4  that  Christ  is  mine,  makes  me  think,  that  when  I 
4  appear  in  that  world,  as   a  new  incomer,  all  the 

*  spirits  there  will  use  me  well  on  Christ's  account.0 

It  being  remarked  by  an  acquaintance,  that  consi- 
dering him  as  a  dying  man,  he  seemed  to  be  as 
easy  as  he  well  could  be  ;  l  Yes,'  said  he,  *I  really 
4  am  so  ;  for  in  my  body  1  am  not  much  pained,  and! 

*  as  to  my  mind,  it  is  composed,  or  rather  cheerful: 
8  I  mean  not  that  I  have  what  the  world  call  mirth, 
4  but  I  possess  a  sort  of  cheerfulness  which  ariseth 
t  from  views  of  certain  texts  of  scripture*' 


ft 


150  SELECT    REMAINS, 

May  7th.  '  As  I  have  had  fulness  all  my  days,  I 
w  believe  that  I  could  nSt  now  easily  bear  with  pinch- 
'  ing  want;  yet  I  think  to  publish  the  gospel  of  Je- 

*  sus,  I  could  willingly  meet  with  want  or  any  thing 
4  else.' 

Riding  in  the  chaise,  and  observing  how  pleasant- 
ly the  corn  and  the  grass,  were  growing,  he  cried  out* 

*  Oh,  I  think  that  I  should  love  to  see  that  promise 

*  accomplished,  u  The  wilderness,  and  the  solitary 

*  place,  shall  be  glad  for  them ;  and  the  desert  shall 

*  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose :  it  shall  blossom 
*•  abundantly,  and  rejoice  even  with  joy  and  singing. 
4  The  glory  of  Lebanon  shall  be  given  unto  it ;  the 

*  excellency  of  Carmel  and  Sharon,  they  shall  see  the 

*  glory  of  the  Lord,  and  the  excellency  of  our  God." 

*  — Oh,  I    should  love  to  see  all  this    ere  I  die, 

*  though  I  would  wish  that  it  may  not  be  long  till 

*  the  event  take  place.  I  should  love  when  I  depart 
4  to  heaven,  to  be  able  to  tell  this  news  to  the  re- 
4  deemed  millions,  that  the  Holy  Ghost  had  been 

*  remarkably  poured  out  in  East  Lothian,  and  that 
4  there  was  not  now  a  family,  in  which  the  worship 
4  of  God  was  not  observed.  I  dare  say  it  delights 
4  the  redeemed  above,  to  hear  of  Christ's  glory  being 
4  displayed,  and  of  souls  being  saved,  on  earth.' 

When  he  observed  the  concern  which  his  wife 
shewed  about  his  welfare,  he  said,  4  Now,  no  doubt, 
4  you  do  not  wish  to  hear  about  my  departure ;  but 
4  thy  "  Maker  is  thy  husband ;  the  Lord  of  hosts  is 

*  his  name :"  he  can  infinitely  more  than  supply  the 

*  want  of  me.' 

May  8th.  Passing  by  the  door  of  his  study,  and 
looking  into  it,  one  observed,  4  Sir,  you  never  go  in 
4  there  now :'  he  answered,  4  No ;  the  closet  I  wish 
f  now  is  the  place  of  God's  immediate  presence; 


SELECT    REMAINS.  lH 

*  there  the  face  of  God  will  serve  me  instead  of  all 

*  my  books.' 


Addressing  himself  to  one  of  his  sons,  he  said, 
4  Now  I  am  easy,  whether  ever  you  or  any  of  my 
>•  family  be.  what  the  world  call  rich,  but  I  should 
1  wish  you  all  to  be  fearers  of  God.  Next  to  seeing 
1  Christ  as  he  is,  I  think  that  I  would  desire  to  see 

•  you,  and  hundreds  at  your  back,  all  debtors  to  frte 

•  grace.     Oh,  I  would  be  happy  to  say,  u  Lord, 

•  here  am  I,  and  the  children  which  thou  hast  giv- 


4  Ever  since  God  dealt  properly  with  my  heart,  I 
never  had  any  comfort  in  a  thought  that  my  sins 
were  little,  but  in  the  belief  that  the  virtue  of 
Christ's  blood  was  infinite — U  Blood  that  cleanseth 
from  all  sin ;"  and  in  the  consideration  of  God's 
mercy  being  higher  than  the  heavens. 

*  I  once  thought  that  text,  "  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,"  had  just  been  made  lor 
me ;  and  that  it  was  so  full  of  grace,  just  that  it  might 
suit  my  condition.  Were  it  possible  for  his  majesty 
and  I  to  become  young  again  ;  and  were  it  left  to 
my  choice,  whether  I  would  have  his  lot  or  my 
own,  I  wp,uld,  without  hesitation,  choose  my  own  : 
if  I  have'not  got  such  grand  entertainment  for  the 
body,  I  have  got  feasts  on  texts  of  scripture,  the  like 
of  which  perhaps  he  never  obtained : — "  Goodness 
and  mercy  have  followed  me." 

Talking  about  death,  he  observed,  *  It  might  be 
written  on  my  coffin, — "  Here  lies  one  of  the  cares 
of  Providence,  who  early  wanted  both  father  and 
mother,  and  yet  never  missed  them." 

May  9th.  Speaking  about  submission  to  the  rod 


%  *  *52  SELECT   REMAINS, 

of  God,  he  made  the  following  remarks :  •  I  woulfl 

*  not  wish  that  foolish  question  ever  put  to  me, 

*  Would  you  go  to  hell  if  that  were  the  Lord's  will? 
'  for  it  is  God's  promise,  securing  my  salvation,  that 

*  has  much  influence  in  making  me  resigned.  God 
4  said  to  me,    "  I  am  the  Lord  thy   God ;"    and 

*  and  if  he  were  not  to  be  mine  for  ever,  he  would 
4  forfeit  his  word,  which  is  impossible.' 

Being  desired  by  a  friend,  to  give  an  assignation 
of  his  right  to  his  books,  for  the  good  of  his  family, 
he  replied, — 4  No,  no ;  I  would  not  wish  that  ever 

*  there  should  be  the  least  appearance  of  avarice  of  the 

*  world  in  me  j  I  can  trust  my  family  to  Providence  j 

*  and  if,  when  I  am  in  heaven,  it  appear  that  there 

*  was  one  converted  by  means  of  any  thing  that  ever 

*  I  wrote,  I  will  mark  down  an  hundred  pounds ;  if 

*  there  should  be  two,  I  will  say  there  is  two  hun- 
4  dred  pounds ;  and  if  twenty,  there  is  something  of 
4  more  value  than  two  thousand  pounds ; — that  is  the 

*  reward  which  I  wish.' 

Two  young  ladies  coming  in  to  see  him,  he  asked 
how  they  n  <.  ft ;  upon  their  answering,  Very  well,  he 
Said,  u  It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not 
consumed ;"  and,  Oh,  never  say  that  you  are  very 
well  to  your  own  consciences,  until  you  have  good 
evidence  of  your  interest  in  Christ.  ;Be  earnest 
to  have  acquaintance  with  Jesus ;  no  connexion  so 
glorious  as  union  with  Christ ;  no  pleasure  like  that 
which  is  enjoyed  in  fellowship  with  him.' 

To  one,  who  observed,  that  some  who  saw  him 
thought  that  he  was  rather  better,  he  replied,  l  All 

*  my  wish  is,  that  if  God  spare  me,  I  may  have  gitts 
4  to  serve  him  while  I  live  ;  and,  if  I  die,  I  wish  to 
4  praise  hiiu  while  I  have  any  being.' 


SELECT   REMAIN?.  153 

May  10th.  Hearing  some  talk  about  the  endor- 
sing of  a  bill,  he  said, 4  Oh,  how  pleasant !  the  bills  of 

*  God's  promises  are  my  heritage.  I  have  often  for- 
4  gotten  them ;  but  I  am  sure  that  Jehovah  minds 
1  them,  and  1  know  too,  that  the  Spirit  of  God  will 

*  never  deceive  me.' 

Talking  concerning  his  weakness,  he  observed, 
4  God  deals  so  tenderly  with  me  in  my  affliction,  that 
*,  indeed  I  think  the  strokes,  as  it  were,  go  nearer  his 
4  heart  than  they  do  mine.' 

May  11th.  The  command  is  "  Owe  no  man  any 
4  thing."  What  a  mercy  that  there  is  no  such  pre- 
1  cept  as  this,  Owe  a  Saviour  nothing ;  or  even  this, 
4  Study  to  owe  him  as  little  as  possible. 

4  I  confess  that  I  would  not  love  to  stand  at  our 
4  town  cross,  with  a  paper  on  my  breast,  declaring 
4  that  I  was  a  bankrupt  to  men ;  but,  Oh,  I  think  that 
4  I  should  love  to  stand  in  the  most  publick  place  of 
4  heaven,  having  all  the  redeemed  pointing  to  me  as 
4  the  greatest  sinner  that  ever  was  saved ;  yea,I  think 
4  their  very  staring  at  me,  as  the  chief  debtor  to  free 
4  grace,  would,  rejoice  my  heart.' 

May  14th.  When  one  observed  to  him,  that  his 
memory  seemed  to  be  much  failed,  he  replied, — 4  It 
4  is  so ;'  and  then  shutting  his  eyes,  he,  in  a  devout 
manner  presented  this  prayer : — 44  Lord,  I  am  a 
4  stranger  on  this  earth,  hide  not  thy  commandments 
4  from  me."  Some  alledging,  that  he  would  not  get 
out  in  his  chair,  on  account  of  the  wetness  of  the  day ; 
4  Well,'  said  he  4  if  God  would  send  his  new  cove- 
4  nant  chariot,  death,  and  transport  me  to  heaven  ere 
4  night,  I  should  be  happy,  let  the  day  be  what  it  will. 

'*  Oh  what  a  mercy,  that  my  admission  into  eternal 
O 


154  SELECT    REMAINS. 

*  life,  does  not  in  the  least  depend  on  my  ability  for 
4  any  thing  ;  but  I,  as  a  poor  sinner  will  win  in  lean- 
1  ing  on  Christ  as  the  Lord  my  righteousness  ;  on 
4  Christ,  "made  of  God  unto  me  righteousness, 
4  sanctification,  and  redemption  !"  I  have  nothing  to 

*  sink  my  spirits  but  my  sins  ;  and  these  need  not 
4  sink  me  either,  since  the  great  God  is  my  Saviour.' 

To  one  that  inquired  for  his  welfare,  he  said,  I  am 

*  sitting  here,  trying  to  wait  for  the  salvation  of 
4  God.  I  should  love  that  my  departure  was  nearer 
4  than  perhaps   you  would  wish; — but  I  will  not 


Taking  a  walk  from  one  room  to  another,  he,  in  a 
sort  of  transport  cried,  4  Oh  it  will  {>e  pleasant  to 
4  enter  into  Christ's  light  room  above  !  Sure  when 
4  I  am  there,  and  when  I  reflect  on  the  opportu- 
4  nities  which  I  enjoyed  in  this  world,  I  shall  won- 
4  der  at  myself  as  a  fool  in  the  misimprovement  of 
4  them  ;  but  what  shall  I  say  ?  when  Christ  is  the 
4  way  to  heaven,  "  a  wayfaring  man,  though  a  fool, 
44  cannot  err  therein." 

Advising  a  young  man  to  honour  his  father  and 
mother,  and  being  told  by  a  friend  that  the  persons 
which  he  named  were  dead,  he  took  occasion  to 
make  the  following  remark  :  4  Oh,  what  a  mercy, 
4  that  you  can  never  tell  me  that  my  friend  Jesus  is 
4  dead,  when  so  many  of  my  earthly  acquaintances 
4  are  gone  ;  if  you  say  of  him  that  he  was  dead,  I 
4  can  answer  but  now  he  "  is  alive,  and  lives  for 
44  evermore ;  and  hath  the  keys  of  hell  and  of 
44  death." 

June  4th,  When  he  heard  the  bells  ring,  he  ask- 
ed what  they  meant ;  and  upon  being  informed  that 
it  was  the  king's  birth-day,  he  said,  4  Oh  when  will 


SELECT    REMAINS.  155 

4  that  glorious  solemnity  arrive,  when  all  the  artil- 

*  lery  of  heaven  shall  be  let  off :  that  day  of  Jesus, 
4  when  angels  and  saints  shall  join  in  a  general  shout 
4  to  his  honour.  Then  fires  shall  be  in  the  heavens, 
4  and  fires  on  the  earth  ;  "  the  heavens  shall  pass 
44  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall 
44  melt  with  fervent  heat :  the  earth  also,  and  the 
44  works  that  are  therein  shall  be  burnt  up." 

Sometime  after,  observing  the  bells  continuing  to 
ring,  4  Oh,'  said  he, 4  blessed  be  God  that  we  have  a 
4  better  king's  birth-day  to  celebrate ! — u  Unto  us 
44  was  born,  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  who  i$ 
44  Christ  the  Lord."  On  account  of  that  event,  the 
4  gospel  bells  have  keen  sounding  for  ages  past,  and 
4  they  will  ring  louder  and  louder  still.  Oh,  a  Savi- 
4  our  !  the  Son  of  God  our  Saviour !  Oh,  his  kind- 
4  ness  .'  his  kindness  !  a  Saviour  !  a  Husband  to  sin- 
4  ners,  and  to  me  f 

Conversing  about  the  manner  in  which  the  gospel 
call  is  addressed  to  men,  he  observed,  4  It  has  been 
4  my  comfort  these  twenty  years,  that  not  only  sen- 
'  sible  sinners,  but  the  most  stupid,  are  made  wel- 
4  come  to  believe  in  Christ.' 

Throwing  up  his  victuals  to  a  great  degree,  as  soon 
as  he  was  able  to  speak,  he  said,  4  Well,  I  am  sure 
4  that  God  will  not  kill  me,  till  my  work  is  done ;  and 

*  when  that  is  over,  I  would  not  wish  to  live  any 
4  longer.  But,  Oh,  to  have  my  soul  filled  with 
4  Christ's  new  wine  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  I 

*  know  that  I  would  not  throw  up  that !' 

When  he  lay  down  on  his  bed,  one  asked  him 
how  he  was  now ;  he  answered,  « I  lie  here  in  the 
4  everlasting  arms  of  a  gracious  God.' — 4  Are  you 
4  not  afraid,'  said  the  friend,  fc  to  appear  at  the  tribu- 


156  SELECT    REMAINS. 

*  nal  of  God  V — He  replied,  l  Were  I  looking  to 
'  give  the  account  in  my  own  person,  considering  my 
'  sins,  indeed  I  might  be  terrified  :  but  then  I  view 
c  Christ  the  judge  as  my  advocate  and  my  accompt- 

*  ant,  and  I  know  that  I  do  not  owe  more  debt  than 
1  he  has  paid.' 

June  5th.  An  acquaintance  going  to  leave  him, 
and  saying  that  probably  he  would  soon  see  some  of 
his  brethren  in  the  ministry  ; — l  Tell  them,'  said  he, 

*  that  it  is  my  desire  that  they  may  labour  to  win 
1  souls  to  Christ,  for  now  I  am  not  able,  tho'  ever 

*  so  willing :  meantime  you  must  say,  that  Christ 

*  hath  been  a  kind  master  to  mr .  Many  a  visit  he 
1  hath  given  to  me  already,  and  I  expect  to  be  with 

*  him  in  heaven  by  and  by.     Tell  them  too,  that  I 

*  desire  their  prayers,  that,  with  submission  to  the 
'  divine  will,  I  may  depart  to  be  with  Christ,  which 
'  is  far  better.' 

Being  urged  to  take  his  breakfast,  '  I  will  eat,* 
said  he,  '  as  much  as  I  am  able  ;  the  food  is  very 
4  good  in  itself,  and  it  is  a  memorial  of  my  spiritual 

*  provision,  and  I  love  it  not  the  worse  on  that  ac- 


When  he  coughed  sore,  and  a  relation  expressed 
his  grief  to  see  him  in  that  distress  ;  •  Why  not 
4  cough  ?'  replied  he,  *  Oh  it  would  be  happy,  if  each 
4  of  these  coughs  and  throwings,  would  hasten  me 
0  to  God  as  my  exceeding  joy.' 

One  remarking  to  him,  that  his  tongue  seemed  to 
be  very  foul;  he  answered,  '  It  may  be  so,  but  what 
4  a  mercy  that  it  is  not  tormented  in  flames  !  Oh, 
fc  the  power  of  free  grace,  that  can  make  a  tongue, 
4  which  is  a  world  of  iniquity,  an  everlasting  praiser 
*  of  Christ  in  heaven  !     But  what  need  I  say,  u  for 


SELECT    REMAINS.  157 

"  the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  despe- 
44  rately  wicked,"  and  yet  it  is  made  an  eternal  habi- 
€  tation  of  God  and  the  Lamb  !' 

When  he  came  in  from  his  ride,  he  was  scarce  set 
down,  when  he  began  expressing  his  admiration  of 
the  love  of  God ;    *  Oh  the  sovereignty  of  grace  ! 

*  How  strange  that  I,  a  poor  cottager's  son,  should 

*  have  a  chaise  to  ride  in  ;  and  what  is  far  more  won- 

*  derful,  I  think  God  hath  often  given  me  rides  in 

*  the  chariot  of  the  aew  covenant :    in  the  former 

*  case,  he  hath  raised  me  from  the  dunghill,  and  set 
1  me  with  great  men  ;  but  in  the  latter,  he  hath  ex- 

*  alted  the  man,  sinful  as  a  devil,  and  made  him  to 
4  sit  with  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth.     Oh, 

*  astonishing  !  astonishing  \  astonishing  !' 

Being  offered  a  little  wine,  he  objected  against 
taking  it  j  4  For,'  said  he,  *  I  am  afraid  that  it  will 
4  hurt  me,  and  I  would  not  wish  to  hurt  that  head, 

*  which,  as  well  as  my  heart,  is  Christ's ;  let  him  do 
4  with  it  as  he  pleaseth,  but  I  would  not  wish  to  have 
4  any  hand  in  hurting  it  myself. 


4  No  doubt  I  would  love  to  be  at  my  publick  work 
4  again  ;  and  had  it  been  any  other  than  God  that 
4  had  restrained  me,  I  would  not  have  taken  it  well, 
?  but  as  it  is  the  Lord,  I  desire  to  submit. 

4  Were  God  to  present  me  with  the  dukedom  of 
4  Argyle  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  being  a  minister 
4  of  the  gospel,  with  the.  stipend  which  I  have  had 
4  on  the  other,  so  pleasant  hath  the  ministry  been  to 
4  me,  notwithstanding  all  my  weakness  and  fears  of 
*  little  success,  that  I  would  instantly  prefer  the  last.' 

To  some  acquaintances  who  came  to  visit  him,  he 
said,  i  Here,  sirs,  take  warning  that  ye  must  die.— 
O  2 


158  SELECT    REMAINS. 

4  Now  I  think  it  is  come  to  dying  work  with  me  7 
4  but,  if  Jesus  hold  me  up,  though  I  die,  all  is  well : 
"  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 

A  minister  asking  him  what  was  the  best  method 
a  person  could  take,  when  a  consideration  of  his  own 
sinfulness  terrified  him  in  preaching  ?  He  made  this 
reply, — 4  Attempt  to  believe, — just  as  a  sinner, — as 
4  the  chief  of  sinners*  These  promises  have  been 
4  sweetest  to  me  which  extend  to  men,  if  they  are 

'  but  out  of  hell. "  It  is  a  faithful  saying,  and 

44  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
44  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  of  whom  I  am 
44  chief."  Once  these  words  were  sweet  to  my  soul ; 
4  I  thought,  ill  as  I  was,  I  could  not  be  worse  than 
*  the  chief  of  sinners  :  conscience  said,  that  I  was 
4  the  most  wicked  wretch  that  ever  breathed  ;  and 
4  that  I  had  shewed  my  self  to  be  such,  especially  by 
4  rebelling  against  convictions,  and  by  trampelling 
4  on  Christ's  alluring  words  :  yet  since  Christ  came 
4  to  save  sinners,  even  the  chief,  why,  thought  I, 
4  should  I  except  myself.' 

When  he  rose  to  take  a  walk  through  the  house, 
he  found  himself  so  feeble,  that  he  was  in  danger  of 
falling  almost  at  every  step  ;  however  he  comforted 
himself  and  his  friends  in  this  manner  :  c  I  am  now 
4  very  weak  ;  but  were  I  in  heaven,  "  I  shall  renew 
44  my  strength  ;  there  shall  I  mount  up  with  wings 
44  as  an^eagle  :  I  shall  run,  and  not  weary  j  I  shall 
44  walk,  and  not  faint."     No  staggerings  there.' 

After  family  worship  in  the  evening,  he  observed, 
4  Oh,  it  would  be  pleasant  if  our  experiences  in  ordi- 
4  nances  were  such  here,  as  that  they  would  fit  us 
4  for  the  exercises  of  heaven ;  our  prayers  here,  a 
4  stretching  forth  of  our  desires  for  the  enjoyment  of 
4  God,  and  of  the  Lamb  ^  and  our  praises  here  a 
4  tUiiing  of  our  hearts  for  the  songs  above.* 


SELECT    REMAINS.  159 

June  Gth.  One  asking  him  this  question,  ■  Sir, 
1  does  it  not  strike  you  with  fear,  when  you  think  of 
4  being  confined  in  a  grave  V    He  answered,  4  No  ; 

*  such  is  my  esteem  of  Christ,  that  I  think  I  am  easy, 
4  though  they  should  bury  me  in  a  dunghill,  if  my 

*  soul  were  but  with  him.*  •  But,'  said  the  otherr 
4  are  you  not  sorry  to  part  with  all  your  family  ?' 
He  replied, '  I  must  own,  that  I  have  a  concern  about 
4  my  wife  and  children  ;  but  when  my  heart  enters 
4  properly  into  these  words,  u  Be  with  the  Lord,?' 
c  the  leaving  of  them  diminishes  into  a  very  small 
4  point ;  and  although  natural  affection  for  them  is 

*  as  strong  as  ever,  I  hope  that  when  I  am  away, 
4  Christ  will  far  more  than  supply  my  room  to  them, 

*  and  then,  you  see,  we  shall  be  better  on  all  hands.' 

Seeing  his  relatives  assisting  him  under  his  weak- 
ness, he  often  said,  '  I  really  wonder  at  the  kindness 
4  of  men  to  me  :  but  especially  I  am  amazed,  when* 
4  I  reflect  that  it  is  ail  the  kindness  of  my  God 
4  through  them.7 

When  on  any  occasion  his  little  children  were  ga- 
thered around  him,  he  used  to  commend  his  Lord 
in  such  words  as  these :  4  There  is  none  so  glorious 
4  as  Christ ! — he  is  altogether  lovely ; — if  you  could 
4  put  all  the  gold  and  silver  into  one  he%p,  the  glory 
4  of  Christ  would  far  exceed  all :  I  say  this,  having, 
4  I  think,  seen  Jesus  ;  but  as  yet,  I  have  only  seen 
4  him  through  a  glass  darkly  j  after  this  I  hope  to 
4  see  him  face  to  face.' 

To  one  of  his  sons  in  the  ministry  he  gave  the  fol- 
lowing advice :  4  Oh,  try  to  run  as  deep  in  Christ's 
4  debt  as  possible,  and  take  his  own  way  of  paying, 
4  viz.  by  acknowledging  his  kindness ;  and  when  you 
4  mind  your  own  debt,  remember  your  father's  debt 
4  too :  say  44  Thou  art  my  God  I  will  praise  thee ; 


\60  SELECT    REMAINS. 

4  my  father's  God,  I  will  exalt  thee."     Again,  Oh 

*  labour,  labour  to  win  souls  to  Christ ;  souls  are 

*  well  worth  the  winning ;  and  Christ  is  far  more 
4  worthy  of  winning  them  too.  It  gives  me  plea- 
'  sure  now,  to  think  that  I  did  not  indulge  myself  in 

*  idleness  in  my  Master's  service ;  not  but  that  I  was 
4  idle,  only  I  do.  not  remember  of  indulging  myself 
4  in  it.* 

June  15th.  A  friend  saying  to  him,  4  You  are  not 

*  now  travelling  to  Stow  sacrament,  as  you  used  to 
4  do  about  this  time  of  the  year :'  he  replied  to  this 
purpose :  c  No  I  wish  to  be  travelling  to  God,  as  my 
4  exceeding  joy ;  in  the  mean  time  I  must  say,  that 
4  at  Stow  I  have  had  such  sweet  hours,  that  neither 
4  Christ  nor  I  shall  ever  forget.' 

Being  asked  what  he  thought  o£  free  grace>  after 
Hving  so  many  years  a  minister,  i  I,'  said  he,  4  have 
4  altered  my  mind  about  many  things;  but  I  am  now 
4  of  the  same  mind  that  ever  I  was,  as  to  grace  and 
4  salvation  through  Christ. 

4  Where  are  now  all  your  anxieties  about  the 
4  church?'  said  one;  he  replied,  4  I  have  left  my 
*i  anxiety  about  it,  and  about  every  thing  else,  on  the 
«  Lord ;  and  indeed,  were  it  not  for  a  God  in  my 
i  nature,  X  would  reckon  the  present  case  of  the 
<.  church  very  hopeless ;  but  in  the  view  of  Christ,  I 
c  am  persuaded  that  she  will  yet  remarkably  revive 
i  on  earth.' 

June  17th.  He  was  now=  become  extremely  weak ; 
but,  as  the  outward  man  decayed  j  so  the  inward  man 
was  strengthened  day  by  day. 

frying  on  his  bed,  and  scarce  able  to  speak,  he 
looked  up  to  one  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and 


SELECT   REMAINS.  161 

said,  with  a  smile,  *  O  Mr. ,  "the  Lord  is  my 

4  strength  and  my  song ;  and  he  also  is  become  my 
4  salvation." 

June  18th.  Seeing  him  much  distressed  with  the 
failing  of  nature,  a  friend  said  to  him,  4  Sir,  I  hope 
'  the  Lord  is  not  forsaking  you  now  f  he  answered, 
*  No  ;  God  is  an  unchanging  Rock.' 

Being  asked  by  another  how  he  was,  he  replied, 
f  Oh,  it  is  strange  that  the  Lord  Jesus  encourageth 
1  us  to  pray  even  at  the  last! 

Fixing  his  eyes  on  two  or  three  of  his  relations 
at  his  bedside,  he  addressed  them  in  the  most  affect- 
ing manner :  4  Oh,  sirs !  dying  work  is  serious !  se- 
4  rious  work  indeed!  and  that  you  will  soon  find, 
4  as  strong  as  you  are.' 

June  19th.  He  seemed  to  be  frequently  engaged 
in  speaking ;  but,  owing  to  the  change  of  his  voice, 
it  was  only  a  very  few  of  his  words  which  could  be 
understood. 

Upon  a  friend  saying  to  him, i  Sir,  you  seem  to  be 
4  sore  distressed,'  it  was  thought  that  he  made  this 
answer :  4  The  Lord  hath  his  own  way  of  carrying  on 
4  his  own  work.' 

The  last  words  which  he  was  heard  to  utter  were 
these:  my  christ! 

About  four  hours  after  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  June 
19th,  1807. 

44  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright; 
"for  the.  end  of  that  man  is  peace" 


162  SELECT    REMAINS. 


THE  AVTHOR'S  DYING  ADVICE  TO  HIS  CONGREGATION 
AND    OTHER    HEARERS. 


MY   SEAS  HEAHERSy 

Having,  through  the  patience  and  mercy  of  God, 
long  laboured  among  you,  not  as  I  ought, — far,  very 

far  from  it, but  as  I  could,  I  must  now  leave  you, 

to  appear  before  the  judgement  seat  of  Christ,  to  give 
an  account  of  my  stewardship.  You  cannot  say  that 
I  ever  appeared  to  covet  any  man's  silver  or  gold,  or 
apparel,  or  ever  uttered  one  murmur  about  what  you 
gave  me ;  or  that  I  sought  yours,  not  you.  You 
cannot  charge  me  with  idling  away  my  devoted  time 
in  vain  chat,  either  with  you  or  others,  or  with 
spending  it  in  worldly  business,  reading  of  plays, 
romances,  or  the  like.  If  I  had,  what  an  awful 
appearance  should  I  soon  have  before  my  all-seeing 
Judge.  You  cannot  pretend  that  I  spared  either  body 
or  mind  in  the  service  of  your  souls  ;  or  that  I  put 
you  off  with  airy  conceits  of  man's  wisdom,  or  any 
thing  else  than  the  truths  of  God.  Though  I  was  not 
ashamed,  as  I  thought  Providence  called  me,  to  give 
you  hints  of  the  truths  presently  injured,  and  the 
support  of  which  is  the  declared  end  of  the  Secession, 
yet  I  laboured  chiefly  to  show  and  inculcate  upon 
your  consciences  the  most  important  truths  concern- 
ing your  sinfulness  and  misery,  and  the  way  of  sal- 
vation from  both  through  Christ ;  and  laboured  to 
hunt  you  out  of  all  your  lying  refuges,  and  give  your 
consciences  no  rest  but  in  Christ,  and  him  crucified. 
The  delight  of  my  soul  was  to  commend  him  and  his 
free  and  great  salvation  to  your  souls,  and  to  direct 


SELECT   REMAINS.  163 

and  encourage  you  to  receive  and  walk  in  him.  I  call 
heaven  and  earth  to  record  against  you  this  day,  that 
I  laboured  to  set  death  and  life,  blessing  and  cursing, 
before  you,  and  to  persuade  you  to  choose  life,  that 
ye  might  live.  By  the  grace  of  God  I  have  endea- 
voured (however  poorly)  to  live  holy,  justly,  and 
unblameably,  among  you.  And  now  I  leave  all 
these  discourses,  exhortations,  instructions,  and  ex- 
amples, as  a  testimony  for  the  Lord  against  you,  if 
you  lay  not  your  eternal  salvation  to  heart  as  the  one 
thing  needful,  the  better  part  that  shall  not  be  taken 
from  you. 

But  I  have  no  confidence  in  any  of  these  things 
before  God  as  my  judge.  I  see  such  weakness,  such 
deficiency,  such  unfaithfulness,  such  imprudence^ 
such,  unfervency  and  unconcern,  such  selfishness,  in 
all  that  I  have  done  as  a  minister  or  a  Christian,  as 
richly  deserves  the  deepest  damnation  of  hell.  I 
have  no  hope  of  eternal  happiness  but  in  Jesus's  blood, 
which  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ; — in  redemption 
through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  my  sins, 
according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace.  It  is  the  ever- 
lasting covenant  of  God's  free  grace,  well  ordered  in 
all  things  and  sure,  that  is  all  my  salvation  and  all 
my  desire. 

Now  I  die  firmly  persuaded  of  the  truth  of  these 
things  which  I  preached  unto  you.  I  never  preached 
unto  you  any  other  way  of  salvation  than  I  essayed  to 
use  for  myself.  I  now,  when  dying,  set  to  my  seal 
that  God  is  true.  After  all  that  I  have  said  of  the 
sinfulness  of  your  hearts,  I  have  not  represented  to 
you  the  ten  thousandth  part  of  their  vileness  and 
guilt.  Knowing,  in  some  measure,  the  terrors  of  the 
Lord,  I  endeavoured  to  persuade  you  that  it  was  a 
fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  his  wrath  :  but 
who  knows  the  power  of  his  wrath  !     Knowing,  in 


164  SELECT   REMAINS, 

some  measure,  the  deceitfulness  of  sin  and  devices  of 
Satan,  I  laboured  to  warn  you  of  them.  But  what 
especially  delighted  my  heart  was  to  set  before  you 
the  excellencies,  the  love,  the  labours,  of  our  Re- 
deemer, and  God  in  him,  giving  himself,  and  apply- 
ing himself  to  sinful  men  ;  and  to  represent  to  you 
the  work  of  God  on  the  heart  in  the  day  of  his  power, 
and  the  exercise  of  the  heart  in  its  diversified  frames* 
What  I  saw,  and  tasted,  and  handled,  both  of  the  bit- 
ter and  the  sweet  in  religion,  delivered  I  unto  you. 
Little  as  I  am  acquainted  with  the  Lord,  I  will  leave 
it  as  my  dying  testimony,  that  there  is  none  like 
Christ ;  there  is  nothing  like  fellowship  with  Christ. 
I  dare  aver  before  God,  angels,  and  men,  that  I 
would  not  exchange  the  pleasures  of  religion  which  I 
have  enjoyed,  especially  in  the  days  of  my  youth,  for 
all  the  pleasures,  profits,  and  honours,  of  this  world, 
since  the  creation  till  this  present  moment,  ten  thou- 
sand times  told.  For  what  then  would  I  exchange 
my  entrance  into  the  joy  of  my  Lord,  and  being  for 
ever  with  him  ?  Truly  God  hath  been  good  to  a  soul 
that  but  poorly  sought  him.  Oh,  what  would  he  be 
to  j^ours,  if  you  would  earnestly  seek  him !  with  what 
heart-ravishing  power  and  grace  he  hath  testified  a- 
gainst  my  wicked  and  unbelieving  heart  that  he  is 
God,  even  my  God?  And  now  whom  have  I  in 
heaven  but  him  ?  nor  is  there  any  on  earth  whom  I 
desire  besides  him.  My  heart  and  flesh  fail,  but 
God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for 
ever.  Left  early  by  both  father  and  mother,  God  hath 
taken  me  up,  and  been  the  orphan's  stay.  He  hath 
given  me  the  heritage  of  those  that  fear  him.  The 
lines  have  fallen  to  me  in  pleasant  places.  I  have  a 
goodly  heritage.  God  is  the  portion  of  mint-  in- 
heritance, and  of  my  cup;  he  maintaineth  my  lot: 
yea,  mine  own  God  is  he  j  my  God  that  doth  me 
save. 


SELECT    REMAINS.  165 

Had  I  ten  thousand  worlds  in  my  offer,  and  these 
secured  to  me  for  ever,  they  should  be  utterly  con- 
temned. Doubtless,  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for 
the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my 
Lord  ;  and  I  do  count  them  but  dung  to  win  him, 
not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  oi  the 
law,  but  the  righteousness  of  God,  which  is  through 
faith. 

Now,  when  I  go  to  give  my  account  to  God,  think 
what  it  must  be  !  Alas  !  must  it  be  that,  in  too  great 
conformity  to  your  careless  neighbours,  some  did  not 
attend  the  means  of  grace  at  examinations,  meetings 
for  prayer  and  spiritual  conference,  as  ye  ought  ? — 
Must  it  be  that,  after  labouring  so  many  years  among 
you,  I  left  less  lively  religion  in  the  congregation 
than  I  found  in  it  at  first  ?  Must  it  be  that  ye  were 
called,  but  ye  made  light  of  the  marriage  with  Christ, 
and  of  his  great  salvation  ?  Must  it  be  that  ye  con- 
tented yourselves  with  a  form  of  godliness,  without 
knowing  the  power  of  it  ?  Must  it  be  that  some  few 
trampeliing  on  their  most  solemn  engagements,  for- 
sook me,  having  loved  this  present  world  ?  Must  it 
be  that  others  were  not  careful  to  train  up  their  seed 
for  the  Lord  ?  Must  it  be  that  ye  often  heard  the 
most  searching  sermons,  or  the  most  delightful,  and 
went  away  quite  unaffected  ?  Or  must  it  be  that  ye 
were  awakened  ;  that  your  souls  looked  to  Jesus, 
and  were  enlightened  ;  that  ye  believed  with  your 
heart  unto  salvation  ;  that  ye  harrowed  in  the  seed 
of  the  truth,  which  I  sowed  upon  you,  by  serious 
meditation  and  fervent  prayer  ;  that  ye  laboured  to 
win  souls  to  Christ? — Alas!  I  fear  manv  of  you 
will  go  down  to  hell  with  a  lie  in  your  right  hand  ; 
go  down  to  hell  with  all  the  gospel  sermons  and  ex- 
hortations you  ever  heard  in  your  conscience  to  as- 
sist it  to  upbraid,  gnaw,  and  torment  you!  My 
dearly  beloved  hearers,  shall  I  see  you  next  in  ever- 
P 


166  SELECT   REMAINS. 

lasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels  ? 
Shall  I  see  these  faces  all  in  flames  at  the  last  day,  and 
these  eyes,  which  often  looked  at  me,  looking  lively 
bright  horror  at  the  judgement-seat  of  Christ  ?  Must 
I  hear  that  Redeemer  bid  you  depart  from  him,  as 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels  ?  And  must  I,  who  have  so  often 
prayed  for  your  salvation,  and  preached  for  your  sal- 
vation, add  my  hearty  Amen  to  the  sentence  of  your 
eternal  damnation  ?  God  forbid  ! 

Let  me  then  beseech  you  now,  without  a  moment's 
delay,  to  consider  your  ways.  Oh,  listen  to  the 
Lord's  invitations !  believe  his  self-giving  declara- 
tions and  promises,  which  times  without  number 
have,  with  some  measure  of  earnestness,  been  sound- 
ed in  your  ears !  For  the  Lord's  sake  dare  not,  at 
your  infinite  peril,  to  see  me  again  in  your  sins,  and 
refusers  of  my  glorious  Redeemer  and  Master !  Oh, 
give  him  your  hearts, — give  him  your  hearts  !  I  ne- 
ver complained  of  your  giving  me  too  little.  Nay,  I 
thought  myself  happier  than  most  of  my  brethren  as 
to  all  outward  matters.  But  I  always  thought  and 
complained  that  you  did  not  use  my  master  Christ  as 
I  wished,  in  your  hearts,  lives,  and  houses.  And 
now  I  ask  nothing  for  myself,  or  any  of  my  family, 
but  make  this  my  dying  request,  that  you  would  now 
receive  my  master  Christ  into  your  hearts  and  houses. 
Could  my  soul  speak  back  to  you  from  the  eternal 
state  :  could  all  my  rotting  bones  and  sinews,  and 
every  bit  of  my  body,  speak  back  to  you  from  the 
grave ;  they  should  all  cry,  Oh  that  ye  were  wise ! 
that  ye  understood  this !  that  ye  wTould  consider  your 
latter  end  !  Oh,  that  ye  would  give  my  master 
Christ  these  ignorant,  guilty,  polluted,  and  enslaved, 
hearts  of  yours!  that  he,  as  made  of  God  to  you 
wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and 
redemption,  might  enter  in  and  fill  them  for  ever 


SELECT    REMAINS.  167 

with  his  grace  and  truth  !  Oh  say  not  to  a  dying,  a 
dead  minister, — rather,  Oh  say  not  to  a  living  Re- 
deemer, and  to  his  Father,  and  to  his  blessed  Spirit 

— Nay. 

Dearly  beloved,  whom  I  wish  to  be  my  joy  and 
crown  in  the  day  of  the  Lord,  suffer  me  to  speak 
from  the  dead  to  you.  Let  me  exhort  you,  by  all 
your  inexpressible  sinfulness  and  misery  ;  by  all  the 
perfections,  words,  and  works  of  God  ;  by  all  the 
excellencies,  offices,  relations,  labours,  sufferings, 
glory,  and  fulness  of  Christ ;  by  all  the  joys  of  heaven 
and  horrors  of  hell ;  now  to  make  serious  work  of  the 
eternal  salvation  of  your  souls.  Try  what  improve- 
ments you  have  made  of  all  my  ministrations.  Call 
to  mind  what  of  my  texts,  sermons,  or  other  instruc- 
tions, you  can ;  and  pray  them  over  before  the  Lord, 
applying  them  closely  to  your  own  conscience  and 
heart.  Wash  yourselves  thoroughly,  in  the  blood 
qf  Jesus  Christ,  from  all  the  sins  of  holy  things  since 
you  and  I  met  together. 

I  recommend  to  you,  young  persons,  my  two  Ad- 
dresses annexed  to  my  Catechisms ;  and  to  you,  pa- 
rents and  masters,  my  Address  in  the  Awakening- 
call,  and  my  Sermons  on  the  raising  up  children  to 
Christ,  as  a  part  of  my  dying  words  to  you.  They 
will  rise  up  in  judgement  against  you  if  you  contemn 
them. 

With  respect  to  your  obtaining  another  minister — 
let  me  beseech  you  by  much  fervent  prayer  to  get 
him  first  from  the  Lord.  And  let  it  be  your  care  to 
call  one  whose  sermons  you  find  to  touch  your  con- 
sciences. May  the  Lord  preserve  you  from  such  as 
aim  chiefly  to  tickle  your  fancy,  and  seek  themselves 
rather  than  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord.  Let  there  be  no 
strife  among  you  in  calling  him.     And  when  you  get 


168  SELECT    REMAINS. 

him,  labour  at  his  entrance  to  receive  his  message 
from  Christ  with  great  greediness.  Let  your  vacan- 
cy make  you  hungry  and  thirsty  for  the  gospel.  And 
let  all  hands  and  hearts  be  intent  on  raising  up  a  seed 
for  Christ  in  poor  withered  and  wicked  East  Lothian. 

Oh,  how  it  would  delight  my  soul  to  be  informed, 
in  the  manner  of  the  eternal  state,  that  Christ  had 
come  along  with  my  successor,  conquering  and  to 
conquer  !  How  gladly  should  I  see  you  and  him  by 
hundreds  at  the  right  hand  of  Christ  at  the  great  day, 
though  I  should  scarcely  have  my  ten !  Oh,  if  Christ 
were  so  exalted,  so  remembered,  among  you,  as  to 
make,  me  scarcely  thought  of,  I  desire  to  decrease, 
that  he  may  increase ! 

Now,  unto  him  that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from 
our  sins  in  his  blood,  and  hath  given  us  everlasting 
consolation  and  good  hope  through  Christ,  be  ho- 
nour, and  glory,  and  dominion,  and  blessing,  for  ever 
and  ever! 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  accepta- 
tion, that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners,  of  whom  I  am  the  chief. 

Your  once  affectionate  Pastor, 

JOHN  BROWN* 


THE    END    OF    SELECT    REMAINS, 


ADDRESS 


TO 


Students  of  Divinity, 


MY   DEAR  PUPILS, 

FOi<  my  assistance  in  instructing  you,  this 
Compendious  View  of  Natural  and  Revealed  Religion* 
was  formed.  To  gratify  a  number  of  you  it  is  now 
published.  Being  formed,  not  to  make  you  read,  but 
to  make  you  think  much,  it  must  now  appear  dry  and 
meagre,  as  stript  of  its  additional  remarks  : — and  no 
doubt  some  of  its  expressions  admit  of  a  sense  which 
I  never  intended.  To  render  you  mighty  in  the 
scriptures,  readily  able  to  support  the  several  articles 
of  our  holy  religion  by  the  sell-evidencing  and  consci- 
ence-commanding testimony  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
accustomed  to  express  the  things  of  God  in  his  own 
language,  multitudes  of  texts  are  ordinarily  quoted, 
which  I  have  laboured  to  lodge  in  your  memories. 
To  manifest  the  extensive  connection  of  divine 
truths,  some  leading  articles  relative  to  the  perfec- 
tions of  God,  the  person  of  Christ,  &c.  are  traced 
through  many  others,  in  a  manner  which  will  perhaps 
be  accounted  a  digression.  Few  insignificant,  local, 
or  dormant  controversies,  have  been  brought  on  the 
field :   Nor,  that   I   know,  have  the  enemies  of  the 

*  The  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity  is  introductory  to  our 
author's  "  Compendious  View  of  Natural  and  Revealed  Reli- 
gion" 

P  2 


170  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity. 

truth  been  unfairly  represented  or  indiscreetly  an- 
swered, in  others.  The  deceit  or  wrath  of  man 
worketh  not  the  righteousness  of  God. 

While  I  have  been  occupied  in  instructing  you, 
your  consciences  must  bear  me  witness,  that  my 
principal  concern  was  to  impress  your  minds  with 
the  great  things  of  God.  Now  when  I  am  gradu- 
ally stepping  into  the  eternal  state,  to  appear  before 
the  judgement-seat  of  Christ,  permit  me  to  beseech 
you,  as  you  wish  to  promote  his  honour,  and  the 
eternal  salvation  of  your  own  and  your  hearers  souls, 

1.  See  that  ye  be  real  Christians  yourselves.  I 
now  more  and  more  see,  that  nothing  less  than  real, 
real  Christianity  is  fit  to  die  with,  and  make  an 
appearance  before  God.  Are  ye  then  indeed  born 
again,  born  from  above,  born  of  the  Spirit  f  created 
in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works  f — new  creatures 
in  Christ  Jesus,  having  all  old  things  passed  away, 
and  all  things  become  new  f  Are  ye  indeed  the  cir- 
cumcision which  worship  God  in  the  Spirit,  habitually 
reading,  meditating,  praying,  preaching,  conversing 
with  your  hearts,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy 
Ghost?  Have  you  no  confidence  in  the  flesh,  no  confi- 
dence in  your  self-righteousness,  your  learning, 
your  address,  your  care  and  diligence,  your  gifts 
and  graces; — but  being  emptied  of  self  in  every 
form,  are  poor  in  spirit,  less  than  the  least  of  all 
saints,  and  the  least  of  all  God's  mercies ;  nay,  the 
very  chief  of  sinners  in  your  own  sight  ?  Has  it 
pleased  God  to  reveal  his  Son  in  you  ?  and  to  instruct 
you  with  a  strong  hand,  to  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ 
as  your  Lord,  and  to  count  them  but  dung,  that  you 
may  win  him,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  your 
own  righteousness,  but  the  righteousness  which  is  of 
God  by  faith, — and  to  know  the  po'.rer  of  his  resur- 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity,  171 

rection,  and  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,-!— and  to 
press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  John  iii.  3,  5,  6. 
Eph.  ii.  10.  2  Cor.  v.  17.  Gal.  vi.  15.  Phil.  iii.  3. 
Matth.  v.  3.  xvi.  24.  Eph.  iii.  8.  Gen.  xxxii.  10. 
1  Tim.  i.  15.  Gal.  i.  15,  16.  Phil.  iii.  7,-14.  If 
you  be,  or  become,  either  graceless  preachers  or 
ministers  of  the  gospel,  how  terrible  is  your  condi- 
tion !  If  you  open  your  Bible,  the  sentence  of  your 
redoubled  damnation  flashes  into  your  conscience 
from  every  page.  When  you  compose  your  sermon, 
you  but  draw  up  a  tremendous  indictment  against 
yourselves.  If  you  argue  against,  or  reprove  other 
men's  sins,  you  but  aggravate  your  own.  When  you 
publish  the  holy  law  of  God,  you  but  add  to  your 
rebellion  against  it,  and  make  it  an  awful  witness 
against  your  treacherous  dissimulation.  If  you  an- 
nounce its  threatenings,  and  mention  heiiwith  all  its  in- 
supportable torments,  you  but  in  feoff  yourselves  in  it, 
and  serve  yourselves  heirs  to  it  as  the  inheritance 
appointed  you  by  the  Almighty.  When  you  speak  of 
Christ  and  his  excellencies,  fulness,  love,  and  labours, 
it  is  but  to  trample  him  under  your  feet.  If  you  take 
his  covenant  and  gospel  into  your  mouth,  it  is  but  to 
profane  them,  and  cast  them  forth  to  be  trodden  under 
foot  of  men.  If  you  talk  of  spiritual  experiences,  you 
but  do  despite  to  the  Spirit  of  grace.  When  you  com- 
mend the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in- 
vite sinners  to  new-covenant  fellowship  with  them, 
you  but  treacherously  stab  them  under  the  fifth  rib, 
betray  them  with  a  kiss,  and  from  your  heart  cry, 
This  is  the  heir,  the  God,  come  let  us  kill  him. — 
While  you  hold  up  the  glass  of  God's  law  or  gospel 
to  others,  you  turn  its  back  to  yourselves.  The  gos- 
pel, which  ye  preach  to  others,  is  hid, — is  a  savour 
of  death  unto  death  to  you,  the  vail  remaining  on 
your  hearts,  and  the  God  of  this  world  having 
blinded  your  minds. — Without  the  saving,  the  heart- 


1T2  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity. 

transforming  knowledge  of  Christ  and  him  crucified, 
all  your  knowledge  is  but  an  accursed  puffer  up,  and 
the  murderer  of  your  own  souls.  And  unless  the 
grace  of  God  make  an  uncommon  stretch  to  save  you, 
how  desperate  is  your  condition !  Perhaps  no  person 
under  heaven  bids  more  unlikely  to  be  saved,  than  a 
graceless  Seceding  minister ; — his  conscience  is  so 
overcharged  with  guilt,  so  seared  as  with  an  hot  iron, 
and  his  heart  so  hardened  by  the  abuse  of  the  gospel. 
Alas !  my  dear  pupils,  must  all  my  instructions,  all 
the  strivings  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  your  reading,  all 
your  meditations,  all  your  sermons,  all  your  evangel- 
ical principles,  all  your  profession,  all  your  prayers, 
as  traps  and  snares,  take  and  bind  any  of  you,  hand 
and  foot,  that,  as  unprofitable  servants,  you  may  be 
cast  into  utter  darkness,  with  all  the  contents  of  your 
Bible  and  other  books, — all  your  gilts  and  apparent- 
like  graces,  as  it  were,  inlaid  in  your  consciences, 
that,  like  fuel  or  oil,  they  may  forever  feed  the  flames 
of  God's  wrath  upon  your  souls  !  After  being  set  for 
a  time  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  to  point  others  into  it, 
after  prophesying  in  Christ's  name,  and  wasting 
yourselves  to  shew  others  the  way  of  salvation,  and 
to  light  up  the  friends  of  our  Redeemer  to  their  hea- 
venly rest, — must  your  own  lamp  go  out  in  ever- 
lasting darkness,  and  ye  be  bidden,  Depart  from 
me,  I  never  knexv  you,  ye  zvorkers  of  iniquity  ! — 
Must  I, — must  all  the  churches  behold  you  at  last 
brought  forth  and  condemned  as  arch-traitors  to  our 
Redeemer?  Must  you,  in  the  most  tremendous  man- 
ner, for  ever  sink  into  the  bottomless  pit,  under  the 
weight  of  the  blood  of  the  great  God,  o\&  Saviour, 
under  the  weight  of  murdered  truths,  murdered  con- 
victions, murdered  gifts,  murdertd  ministrations  of 
the  gospel,  and  murdered  souls  of  men ! 

2.  Ponder  much,  as  before  God,  what  proper  fur- 
niture you  have  for  the  ministerial  work,  and  labour 
to  increase  it.     To  him  that  hath  shall  be  given. — 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity,  1 73 

Has  Jesus  bestowed  on  you  the  Holy  Ghost?  What 
distinct  knowledge  have  you  of  the  mysteries  of  tha 
kingdom  ?  What  aptness  have  you  to  teach,  bring- 
ing qut  of  the  good  treasure  of  your  own  heart  things 
new  and  old?  What  ability  to  make  the  deep  mys- 
teries of  the  gospel  plain  to  persons  of  weak  capaci- 
ties, and  to  represent  things  delightful  or  terrible  in 
a  proper  and  affecting  manner  ?  What  proper  quick- 
ness in  conceiving  divine  things ;  and  what  rooted 
inclination  to  study  them,  as  persons  devoted  to  mat- 
ters of  infinite  importance?  What  peculiar  fitness 
have  you  for  the  pulpit,  qualifying  you,  in  a  plain, 
serious,  orderly,  and  earnest  manner,  to  screw  the 
truths  of  the  God  into  the  consciences  of  your  hear- 
ers ?  With  what  stock  of  self-experienced  truths  and 
texts  of  inspiration  did,  or  do  you  enter  on  the  min- 
isterial work  ?  Of  what  truths,  relative  to  the  law  of 
God, — or  relative  to  sin,  Satan,  or  the  desertions  and 
terrors  of  God,  has  your  soul  not  only  seen  the  evi- 
dence, but  felt  the  power  ?  What  declarations,  pro- 
mises, offers,  and  invitations,  of  the  glorious  gospel, 
have  ye,  with  joy  and  rejoicing  of  heart,  found  and 
eaten,  and  therein  tasted  and  seen  that  God  is  good? 
Of  what  inspired  truths  and  texts  can  you  say,  Even 
so  we  have  believed,  and  therefore  we  speak :  what 
we  have  seen  and  heard  with  the  Father,  and  tasted 
and  handled  of  the  word  oflife,  that  we  declare  unto 
you.  Thrice  happy  preacher,  whose  deeply-experi- 
enced heart  is,  next  to  his  Bi>le,  his  principal  note- 
book !  John  xx.  22.  Matth.  xiii.  22,  12,  52.  1  Tim. 
iii.  2.  Tit.  i.  9.  2  Tim.  ii.  2.  Isa.  1.  4.  xlix.  2.  Jer. 
xv.  16.  2  Cor.  iv.  13.   1  John  i.  1,  3.  John  viii.  34. 

3.  Take  heed  that  your  call  from  Christ  and  his 
Spirit  to  your  ministerial  work  be  not  only  real,  but 
evident*  Without  this  you  can  neither  be  duly  exci- 
ted or  encouraged  to  your  work  ;  nor  hope,  nor  pray 
for  divine  success  in  it ;  nor  bear  up  aright  under  the 
difficulties  you  must  encounter,  if  you  attempt  to  be 


174  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity* 

faithful.  If  you  run  unsent  by  Jesus  Christ  and  his 
Spirit,  notwithstanding  the.  utmost  external  regularity 
in  your  license,  call,  and  ordination,  you,  in  the  whole 
of  your  ministrations,  must  act  the  part  of  a  sacrile- 
gious thief  and  robber,  a  pretended  and  treacherous 
ambassador  for  Christ  and  his  Father,  and  a  mur- 
derer of  men's  souls,  not  profiting  them  at  all.— 
What  direction,  what  support,  what  assistance,  what 
encouragement,  what  reward,  can  you  then  expect  ? — 
Ponder,  therefore,  as  before  God  :  Have  you  taken 
this  honour  to  yourselves  ?  or,  Were  ye  called  of  God 
as  was  Aaron  ?  Has  Jesus  Christ  sent  you  to  preach 
the  gospel,  and  laid  upon  you  a  delightful  and  awful 
necessity  to  preach  it  ?  While  he  powerfully  deter- 
mined you  to  follow  providence,  and  avoid  every 
selfish  and  irregular  step  towards  entrance  into  the 
office,  as  a  mean  of  eating-  a  piece  of  bread,  or  enjoy- 
ingcarnalease  or  honour,  did  he  breathe  on  you,  and 
cause  you  to  receive  the  Holy  Ghost, — filling  you 
with  deep  compassion  to  the  perishing  souls  of  men, 
and  a  deep  sense  of  your  own  unfitness  for  such  ar- 
duous work,  and  fervent  desire,  that  if  the  Lord 
were  willing  to  use  you  as  instruments  of  winning 
souls,  he  would  sanctify  you,  and  make  you  meet  for 
his  work  ? — Perhaps,  providentially  shut  out  from 
other  callings,  to  which  you  or  your  parents  inclined, 
did  you,  in  your  education,  go  up  bound  in  the  Spirit 
by  the  love  of  Christ  burning  in  your  hearts,  and 
constraining  you  cheerfully  to  surrender  yourselves 
to  povertv,  reproach,  and  hatred  of  men,  for  promo- 
ting his  name  and  honour,  and  the  salvation  of  men 
in  the  world  ? — What  oracles  of  God,  powerfully 
impressed  on  your  soul,  have  directed  and  encou- 
raged you  to  his  work  ? — Know  you  in  what  form 
Jesus  Christ  gave  you  your  commission  ?  Whether 
to  open  the  eyes  of  the  Gentiles,  and  turn  them  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto 
God>—that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  ofsinsy  and 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity.  175 

an  inheritance  among  them  who  are  sanctified  by 
faith  in  him  : — Or  to  go  make  the  heart  of  this  people 
fat,  their  ears  heavy,  and  to  shut  their  eyes  ?  Jer. 
xxiii.  21,  22,32.  Isa.  xlix.  1,2.  Jer.  i.  Ezek.  ii; 
iii ;  xxxiii.  Matth.  x.  Luke  vi ;  x.  John  x.  Acts  i. 
Heb.  v.  4.  Rom.  x.  15.  1  Cor.  i.  17.  ix.  16.  Acts 
xxvi.  17,  18.  Isa.  vi.  8,  9. 

4.  See  that  your  end  in  entering  into,  or  executing 
your  office,  be  single  and  disinterested.  Dare  you 
appeal  to  him,  whose  eyes  are  as  a  fame  of  fre,  and 
who  searcheth  the  hearts  and  tryeth  the  reins,  to  give 
to  every  man  according  to  his  works,  that  you  never 
inclined  to  be  put  into  the  priest's  office,  that  yau 
might  eat  a  piece  of  bread,  and  look  every  one  for  his 
gain  from  his  quarter  ;  that  ye  seek  not  great  things 
for  yourselves  ;  that  ye  covet  no  man*s  silver,  gold,  or 

apparel;  that  ye  seek  not  men's  property,  but  them- 
selves, that  you  may  win  them  to  Christ  for  their 
eternal  welfare  ;  that  ye  seek  not  your  own  honour, 
ease,  or  temporal  advantage,  but  the  things  of  Christ 
and  his  people  ;  that  ye  seek  not  honour  or  glory  of 
men,  but  the  honour  of  Christ  and  his  Father,  in  the 
eternal  salvation  of  souls  ;  and  have  determined  to 
prosecute  this  end,  through  whatever  distress  or 
danger  the  Lord  may  be  pleased  to  lay  in  your  way  ? 
Jer.  xlv.  5.  1  Sam.  xii.  3.  Acts  xx.  S3.  Isa.  lvi.  11. 
2  Tim.  iv.  19.  1  Cor.  ix.  12,  16.  2  Cor.  vii.  2.  xi. 
9.  xii.  13,  14,  vi.  4, — 19.  Phil.  ii.  21.  1  Thess.  ii.  4, 
9.  John  vii.  18. 

5.  See  that  your  minds  be  deeply  impressed  with 
the  nature,  extent,  and  importance  of  your  ministerial 
work, — that  therein  it  is  required  of  you,  as  ambas- 
sadors for  Christ  as  stewards  of  the  mysteries  and 
manifold  grace  of  God, — to  be  faithful ; — to  serve 
the  Lord  with  your  spirit,  and  with  much  humility 
in  the  gospel  of  his  son ; — to  testify  repentance  tow- 


176  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity. 

ards  God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
not  keeping  back,  or  shunning  to  declare  every  part 
of  the  counsel  of  God,  or  any  profitable  instruction, 
reproof,  or  encouragement;  and,  not  moved  with 
any  reproach,  persecution,  hunger,  or  nakedness,-— 
to  be  ready,  not  only  to  be  bound  but  to  die  for  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  order  to  finish  your 
course  with  joy.  Bearing  with  the  infirmities  of  the 
weak,  and  striving  together  in  praytr,  that  the  word 
of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified, 
and  your  messages  provided  by  God,  and  made  ac- 
ceptable to  your  hearers,  you  must  labour  with  much 
fear  and  trembling,  determined  to  know,  to  glory  in, 
and  make  known,  nothing  but  Jesus  Christ  and  him 
crucified, — preaching  the  gospel,  not  zvith  enticing 
•words  of  man's  wisdom,  as  men  pleasers,  but  with 
great  plainness  of  speech,  in  demonstration  of  the 
Spirit,  and  with  power, — speaking  the  things  which 
tare  freely  given  you  by  God,  not  in  the  words  which 
man's  wisdom  teaches,  but  in  words  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teaches,  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiri- 
tual,— as  having  the  mind  of  Christ,  always  triumph- 
ing iwhim, — and  making  manifest  the  savour  of  the 
knowledge  of  him  in  every  place,  that  you  may  be  a 
sweet  savour  of  Christ  in  them  who  are  saved,  and 
in  them  who  perish ; — as  of  sincerity,  as  of  God,  in 
the  sight  of  God  speaking  in  Christ,  and  through  the 
mercy  of  God,  not  fainting,  but  renouncing  the  hid- 
den things  of  dishonesty ; — not  walking  in  craftiness, 
nor  handling  the  word  of  God  deceitfully,  or  corrupt- 
ing the  truth,  but  manifesting  the  truth  to  every 
man's  conscience,  as  in  the  sight  of  God: — not 
preaching  yourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord, 
and  yourselves  servants  to  the  church  for  his  sake, 
always  bearing  about  his  dying,  that  his  life  may  be 
manifested  in  you; — and  knowing  the  terror  of  the 
Lord,  and  deeply  impressed  with  the  account  which 
you  and  your  hearers  must  give  to  him  of  your 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity.  717 

whole  conduct  in  the  day  of  judgement, — awed  by 
his  infinite  authority,  constrained  and  inflamed  by 
his  love,  you  must  persuade  men,  beseeching  them  to 
be  reconciled  unto  God,  and  making  yourselves 
manifest  to  God,  and  to  their  conscience, — and,  as 
their  edification  requires,  changing  your  voice,  and 
turning  yourselves  every  way,  and  becoming  all 
things  to  all  men,  in  order  to  gain  them  to  Christ, — 
jealous  over  them  with  a  godly  jealousy,  in  order  to 
espouse  them  to  him,  as  chaste  virgins, — travelling 
in  birth,  till  he  be  formed  in  their  hearts.  You  must 
take  heed  to  your  ministry  which  you  have  received 
in  the  Lord,  that  you  may  fulfil  it; — stir  up  the  gifts 
which  were  given  you, — give  yourselves  wholly  to 
reading,  exhortation,  and  doctrine  ; — and  persever- 
ingly  take  heed  to  yourselves,  and  to  the  doctrine 
which  you  preach,  that  you  may  save  yourselves  and 
them  that  hear  you ; — watching  for  their  souls,  as 
they  who  do  and  must  give  an  account  for  them  to 
God, — rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth,  and  giving 
every  man  his  portion  in  due  season,  faithfully  warn- 
ing every  man  with  tears,  night  and  day,  teaching 
every  man,  particularly  young  ones,  and  labouring  to 
present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus, — and  war- 
ring, not  after  the  flesh,  nor  with  carnal  weapons,  but 
with  such  as  are  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling 
down  of  strongholds,  and  casting  down  imaginations, 
and  subduing  every  thought  and  affection  to  the  obe- 
dience of  Christ.  Having  him  for  the  end  of  your 
conversation,  and  holding  fast  the  form  of  sound 
words  in  faith  in,  and  love  to  him, — not  entangling 
yourselves  with  the  affairs  of  this  life,  nor  ashamed 
of  the  Lord  or  of  his  cause  or  prisoners,  but  ready  to 
endure  hardships  as  good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  to  endure  all  things  for  the  elects  sake,  that  they 
may  obtain  salvation  with  eternal  glory ; — ye  must 
go  forth  without  the  camp,  bearing  his  rep»-  •  h  and, 
exposed  as  spectacles  of  sufferings  to  angels  and  men, 


176  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity. 

must  not  faint  under  your  tribulations,  but  feed  the 
flock  of  God  which  he  has  purchased  with  his  own 
blood,  and  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  has  made  you 
overseers, — preaching  the  word  in  season  and  out  of 
season,  reproving,  rebuking,  and  exhorting  with  all 
long-suffering  and  doctrine, — taking  the  oversight 
oi  your  people,  not  by  constraint,  but  willingly,  not 
for  filthy  lucre  of  worldly  gain,  or  larger  stipends, 
but  of  a  ready  mind, — neither  as  being  lords  over 
God's  heritage,  but  as  examples  to  the  flock, — exer- 
cising yourselves  to  have  a  conscience  void  of  offence 
towards  God  and  towards  man, — having  a  good 
conscience,  willing  in  all  things  to  live  honestly, — 
exercised  to  godliness, — kindly  affectioned,  disinter- 
ested, holy,  just,  and  unblameable,  prudent  exam- 
ples of  the  believers  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in 
Kiith  and  purity, — fleeing  youthful  lusts,  and  follow- 
ing after  righteousness,  peace,  faith,  charity, — not 
striving,  but  being  gentle  unto  all  men, — in  meek- 
ness, instructing  them  who  oppose  themselves,—— 
avoiding  foolish  and  unlearned  questions,  and  old 
wives  fables, — fleeing  from  perverse  disputings  and 
wordly  mindedness,  as  most  dangerous  snares ;  and 
following  after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith,  love, 
patience,  meekness ; — fighting  the  good  fight  of  faith, 
and  laying  hold  on  eternal  life, — keeping  your  trust 
of  gospel  truth  and  ministerial  office,  and  without 
partiality  or  precipitancy,  committing  the  same  to 
faithful  men,  who  may  be  able  to  teach  others  ;  and, 
in  fine,  faithfully  labouring,  in  the  Lord,  to  try  and 
confute,  and  censure  false  teachers,  publiclyr  rebuke 
or  exccinmunicate  open  transgressors,  restore  such 
as  have  been  overtaken  in  a  fault  in  the  spirit  of 
meekness, — and  having  compassion  on  them,  to  pull 
them  out  of  the  tire,  hating  even  the  garment  spotted 
by  the  flesh,  and  never  conniving  at,  or  partaking 
with  any  in  their  sins.  Who  is  sufficient  for  these 
things  ?  May  your  sufficiency  be  of  God  ;  and  as 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity,  179 

your  days  are,  so  may  your  strength  be,  E2ek.iL 
7.  iii.  9,  17, — 21.  xxxiii'.  7, — 9.  Isa,  Iviii.  1,  Jer.  i. 
17,  18.  xv.  19,  20.  Mic.  iii.  8.  Mai.  ii.  6,  7.  Matth. 
x.  16^—39.  xix.  23,29.  xx.  25, — 28.  xxiii.  3, — 12. 
xxtv.  42,51.  xxviii.  18, — 20.  Acts  xviii.  24, — 28. 
xx.  18, — 35.  xxiv.  16.  xxvi.  16, — 23.  1  Cor.  ii. 
1, — 5,  9,  12,  13.  i, — v;  ix:  xii, — xiv.  2  Cor.  ii, — 
vi;  x, — xiii.  Rom.  i.  9,  16.  ix.  1,2,  x.  1-  xii;  xv. 
Gal.  i.  8, — 16.  iv.  19.  Eph.  iii.  7,  8,  9,  iv.  11, — 
15.  vi.  19,  20.  Col.  iv.  7,  17.  i.  23, — 29.  ii.  1,2. 
1  Thess.  ii;  iii;  v.  12.  1  Tim.  iii, — vi.  2  Tim.  i, — 
iii.  Heb.  xiii.  7,  17,  18.  1  Pet.  iv.  10,  11.  v.  1,-4. 
Jude  22,   23.    Rev.  ii ;  iii;  xi.  3, — 7.  xiv.  6, — 11. 

6.  See  that  ye  take  heed  to  your  spirits,  that  ye 
deal  not  treacherously  with  the  Lord.  In  approach- 
ing to,  or  executing  the  ministerial  office,  keep  your 
hearts  with  all  diligence ;  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues 
of  eternal  life,  or  death  to  yourselves  and  others. — 
Building  up  yourselves  in  your  most  holy  faith,  and 
praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  keep  yourselves  in  the 
love  of  God,  looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  unto  eternal  life.  If  you  do  not  ardently  love 
Christ,  how  can  you  faithfully  and  diligently  feed  his 
lambs — his  sheep  ?  Alas!  how  many  precious  sermons, 
exhortations  and  instructions  are  quite  marred  and 
poisoned  by  coming  through  the  cold,  carnal,  and 
careless  heart  of  the  preacher,  and  being  attended  with 
his  imprudent,  untender,  and  lukewarm  life }.  If  yo;i 
have  not  a  deep  felt  experience  of  the  terrors  of  the 
Lord, — of  the  bitterness  of  sin,  vanity  of  this  world, 
and  importance  of  eternity, — and  of  the  conscience- 
quieting  and  heart-captivating  virtue  of  Jesus's  bleed- 
ing love,  how  can  you  be  duly  serious  and  hearty  in 
preaching  the  gospel?  If,  all  influenced  by  a  predo- 
minate love  to  Christ,  your  heart  be  not  fixed  on 
everlasting  things,  and  powerfully  animated  to  an 
eager  following  of  peace  and  holiness,  how  can  you, 


*8<*  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity* 

without  the  most  abominable  treachery,  declare  to 
men  their  chief  happiness,  and  the  true  method  of 
obtaining  it  ?  If  your  graces  be  not  kept  lively,  your 
loins  girt,  and  your  lamps  burning,  all  enkindled  by 
the  heart-constraining  love  of  Christ,  how  cold,  how 
earn*!,  and  blasted  must  your  sacred  ministrations 
be  I  If  your  work,  as  ambassadors  of  Christ,  be  to 
transact  matters  of  everlasting  importance  between, 
an  infinite  God  and  immortal,  but  perishing,  souls  of 
men  ;  if  the  honours  and  privileges  of  it  be  so  inva- 
luable, what  inexpressible  need  have  you  of  habitual 
dependence  on  Christ  by  a  lively  faith?  What  self- 
denial,  what  ardent  love  to  Christ  and  his  Father, 
what  disinterested  regard  to  his  honour,  what  com- 
passion to  souls,  what  prudence,  what  faithfulness 
and  diligence,  what  humility  and  holy  zeal,  what 
spirituality  of  mind  and  conversation,  what  orderft 
what  plainness,  what  fervour,  what  just  temperature" 
of  mildness  and  severity, — is  necessary  in  every  part 
of  it ! — If,  while  you  minister  in  holy  things,  your 
lusts  prevail  and  are  indulged,  you  have  less  of  real 
or  lively  Christianity  than  the  most  weak  and  uncir- 
cumspect  saints  under  your  charge ; — if  your  evil 
heart  of  unbelief  fearfully  carry  you  off  from  the 
living  God,  and  you  can  live  unconcerned  while  the 
powerful  and  sanctifying  presence  of  God  is  withheld 
from  yourselves  or  your  flocks, — haw  sad  is  your 
and  their  case ! — If  your  indwelling  pride  be  allowed  to 
choose  your  company,  your  dress,  your  victuals,  nay, 
your  text,  your  subject,  your  order,  your  language  ; 
if  it  be  allowed  to  indite  your  thoughts,  and,  to  the 
reproach  and  blasting  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  to  deck 
your  sermon  with  tawdry  ornaments  and  fancies,  as 
if  it  were  a  stage-play,  and  to  blunt  and  muffle  up 
his  sharp  arrows  with  silken  smoothness  and  swollen 
bombast ; — if  it  be  allowed  to  kindle  your  fervour, 
and  form  your  looks,  your  tone,  your  action  ; — or  to 
render  you  enraptured  or  self- conceited,  because  of 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity.  181 

subsequent  applause ; — or  sad  and  provoked,  because 
your  labours  are  contemned,  how  dreadful  is  your 
danger  and  that  of  your  hearers !  How  can  minis- 
terial labours,  originating  in  pride,  spurred  on  by  the 
fame  of  learning,  diligence,  or  holiness, — hurt  the 
interests  of  Satan,  from  whose  influence  they  pro- 
ceed : — If  pride  be  allowed  to  cause  you  to  envy  or 
wound  the  characters  of  such  as  differ  from,  or  out- 
shine  you,  or  to  make  you  reluctant  to  Christian 
reproof  from  your  inferiours,  how  fearful  is  your  guilt 
and  danger !  Pride  indulged  is  no  more  consistent 
with  a  Christian  character,  than  drunkenness  and 
whoredom. — If  you  take  up  or  cleave  to  any  princi- 
ple or  practice  in  religion,  in  the  way  of  factious  con- 
tention, how  abominable  to  God  is  the  sower  of  dis- 
cord among  brethren  !  If  you  undervalue  the  peace 
and  prosperity  of  the  church  of  Christ,  and  are  not 
afflicted  with  her  in  all  her  afflictions,  how  cruel  and 
unchrist-like  your  conduct!    If,  in  justly  proving 
your  opponents  deceivers  and  plasphemers,  vou,  by 
your  angry  manner,  plead  the  cause  of  the  devil,  will 
God  accept  it  as  an  offering  at  your  hands  ?  If  you 
are  slothful  in  studying  or  declaring  the  truths  of 
Christ, — if  to  save  labour  or  expense,  you  are  inac- 
tive or  averse  to  help  such  as  have  no  fixed  ministry 
tions,  or  to  contrive  and  prosecute  projects  for  ad- 
vancing the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and  promoting  the 
salvation  of  men,  how  great  is  your  baseness,  how 
dreadful  your  hazard? — Think,  as  before  God,  did 
Jesus  Christ  furnish  you  for,   and  put  you  into  the 
ministry,  that  you  might  idle  away,  or  prostitute 
your  devoted  time,  tear  his  church,  conceal  or  man- 
gle his  truths,  betray  his  interests,  or  starve  and 
murder  the  souls  of  men  ?  Are  not  your  people  the 
flock  of  God,  which  he  purchased  with  his  own  blood? 
Will  you  then  dare  to  destroy  his  peculiar  property 
and  portion,  and  attempt  to  frustate  the  end  of  his 
death?  Did  Jesus  die  for  men's  souk  ?  And  will  vou 


1 82  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity* 

grudge  a  small  labour  or  expense  to  promote  his 
honour  in  their  eternal  salvation  I  If  the  Son  of  God 
was  crucified  for  men, — crucified  for  you,  will  you 
refuse,  through  his  Spirit,  to  crucify  your  selfishness, 
your  pride,  your  sloth,  your  worldly  and  covetous 
disposition,  in  order  to  save  yourselves,  and  them 
that  hear  you. — While  your  own  salvation,  and  the 
salvation  of  multitudes,  are  so  deeply  connected  with 
your  faithfulness  and  diligence, — while  the  powers 
of  lit  11  and  earth  so  set  themselves  in  opposition  to 
your  work,  that,  in  your  fails,  they  may  triumph 
over  Christ,  your  Master,  and  his  church, — while  so 
many  eyes  of  God,  angels,  and  men  are  upon  you, 
•\\  hy  Jo  you  ever  think  or  speak  of  eternal  things,  of 
heaven  and  hell,  of  Jcsus's  persen,  offices,  righte- 
pi  ^ness,  love,  and  free  salvation,  without  the  most 
serious  and  deep  impression  of  their  importance  ? 
While  perhaps  you  preach  yourlast  sermon,  andliave 
before  you  and  on  every  hand  of  you,  hundreds  or 
scores  of  perishing  souls  suspended  over  hell  by  the 
frail  thread  of  mortal  life,  not  knowing  what  a  day 
or  an  hour  may  bring  forth, — souls  already  in  the 
hands  of  the  devil,  and,  as  it  were,  just  departing  to 
be  with  him  in  the  lake  which  burns  with  fire  and 
brimstone, — souls  already  slain  by  the  gospel  of  our 
salvation  blasted  and  cursed  to  them,  partly  by  your 
mean^  why  do  not  tears  of  deep  concern  mingle 
themselves  with  every  point  you  study,  every  sen- 
tence you  publish  in  the  name  of  Christ? — When 
multitudes  of  your  hearers,  some  of  them  never  to 
hear  you  more,  and  just  leaping  off  into  the  depths 
Ol  hell,  are,  in  respect  of  their  needs,  crying  with 
an  exceeding  bitter  cry,  Minister,  help,  help,  we  pe* 
rhh, — xve  utterly  perish*— pluck  the  brand  out  of  the 
fieri;  furnace, — why  spend  your  devoted  time  in  idle 
visits,  in  unedhVmg  converse,  useless  reading,  or 
unnecessary  sleep  \ — What,  if  while  you  are  so  em- 
ployed,   some  of    your  hearers  drop  into  eternal 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity,  182 

flames,  and  begin  their  everlasting  cursing  of  you  for 
not  doing  more  to  promote  their  salvation  ?  W  1 
Jesus  arises  to  require  their  blood  at  your  hand,  how 
accursed  will  that  knowledge  appear,  which  was  not 
improved  for  his  honour  who  bestowed  it  ? — that  ease, 
which  issued  in  the  damnation  of  multitudes  ! — that 
conformity  to  the  world  which  permitted,  or  that 
unedifying  converse  which  encouraged  your  hearers 
to  sleep  into  hell  in  their  sins ! — that  pride  or  luxury 
which  restrained  your  charity,  or  disgracefully  plung- 
ed you  into  debt ! — Since,  my  dear  pupils,  all  the 
truths  of  God,  all  the  ordinances  and  privileges  of 
his  church, — the  eternal  salvation  of  multitudes,  and 
the  infinitely  precious  honour  of  Jesus  Christ  and  his 
Father,  as  connected  with  the  present  and  future 
ages  of  time,  are  intrusted  to  you,  how  necessary, 
that,  like  Jesus,  your  Master,  you  should  be  faithful 
in  all  things  to  him  who  appointed  you  ? — If  you  do 
the  work  of  our  Lord  deceitfully, — 4n  what  tremen- 
dous manner  shall  your  parents,  who  devoted  and 
educated  you  for  it, — your  teachers. who  prepared 
you  for  it,— the  seminaries  of  learning  in  which  you 
received  your  instruction, — the  years  which  you 
spent  in  your  studies, — all  the  gifts  which  were  be- 
stowed upon  you, — all  the  thoughts,  words,  and 
works  of  God  in  the  redemption  of  men, — all  the 
the  oracles,  commands,  promises,  and  threatenings  of 
God,  which  direct,  inculcate,  or  enforce  your  duty, — 
all  the  examples  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  all  his  apostles, 
prophets,  and  faithful  ministers,  all  the  leaves  of 
your  Bible, — all  the  books  of  your  closet, — all  the 
engagements  you  have  come  under, — all  the  ser- 
mons which  you  preach, — all  the  instructions  which 
you  tender  to  others, — all  the  discipline  which  you 
exercise, — all  the  maintenance  which  you  receive, — 
all  the  honours  which  you  enjoy  or  expect,- — all  the 
testimonies  which  you  give  against  the  negligence  of 
parents,  masters,  ministers,  or  magistrates, — all  the 


184  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity. 

vows  and  resolutions  which  you  have  made  to  re- 
form,-- and  all  the  prayers  which  you  have  presented 
to  God  for  assistance  or  success, — rise  up  against 
you  as  witnesses,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord ! 

7.  See  that  ye,  as  workmen  who  need  not  be 
ashamed,  earnestly  labour  rightly  to  divide  the  word 
of  truth,  according  to  the  capacities,  necessities,  and 
particular  occasions  of  your  hearers,  giving  every 
one  of  them  their  portion  in  due  season.  Never 
make  your  own  ease,  your  inclination  or  honour,  but 
the  need  of  souls,  and  the  glory  of  Christ,  the  regu- 
lator in  your  choice  of  subjects.  Labour  chiefly  on 
the  principal  points  of  religion,  to  bring  down  the 
fundamental  mysteries  of  the  gospel  to  the  capacities 
of  your  hearers,  and  inculcate  on  their  consciences 
the  great  points  of  union  to  and  fellowship  with 
Christ,  regeneration,  justification,  and  sanctification, 
these  will  require  all  your  grace,  learning  and  labour. 
Never  aim  at  tickling  the  ears  or  pleasing  the  fancies 
of  your  hearers ;  but  at  convincing  their  consciences, 
enlightening  their  minds,  attracting  their  affections, 
and  renewing  their  wills,  that  they  may  be  persuaded 
and  enabled  to  embrace  and  improve  Jesus  Christ  as 
freely  offered  to  them  in  the  gospel,  for  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption.  La- 
bour to  preach  the  law  as  a  broken  covenant, — the 
gospel  of  salvation, — and  the  law  as  a  rule  of  life,— . 
not  only  in  their  extensive  matter,  but  also  in  their 
proper  order  and  connection.  It  is  only  when  they 
are  properly  connected,  that  the  precious  truths  of  God 
appear  in  their  true  lustre  and  glory.  It  is  at  your 
infinite  hazard,  and  the  infinite  hazard  of  them  that 
hear  you,  if  you,  even  by  negligence,  either  blend  or 
put  asunder  that  law  and  gospel  which  Jesus  Christ 
has  so  delightfully  joined  together.  No  where  is  it 
more  necessary  to  take  heed,  than  in  preaching  up 
the  duties  of  holiness.      Let  all  be  founded  in  union 


Addrrss  to  Students  of  Divinity.         18S 

to  and  communion  with  Christ,  all  enforced  by  the 
pattern,  love,  righteousness,  and  benefits  of  Christ, 
J£ph.  iv;  v;  vi.  Col.  iii;  iv.  1  Pet.  iii;  iv.  See 
Diction,  art.  Gospel  and  Sabbath  Journal. 

8.  You  have  stated  yourselves  publick  witnesses 
for  Jesus  Christ,  who  profess  to  adhere  to,  and  pro- 
pagate his  injured  truths, — and  to  commemorate 
with  thankfulness  the  remarkable  mercies  which  he 
has  bestowed  on  our  church  and  nation, — and  to  tes- 
tify against,  and  mourn  over  our  own  and  our  fathers* 
fearful  backslidings  from  that  covenanted  work  of 
reformation  once  attained  in  our  land.  See  that  ye 
be  judicious,  upright,  constant,  and  faithful  in  your 
profession..  I  now  approach  death,  heartily  satisfied 
with  our  excellent  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith, 
Catechisms,  and  Form  of  church  government, — and 
cordially  adhering  to  these  Covenants,  by  which 
our  fathers  solemnly  bound  themselves  and  their 
posterity  to  profess  the  doctrines,  and  practise  the 
duties  therein  contained.  I  look  upon  the  Seces- 
sion as  indeed  the  cause  of  God,  but  sadly  misman- 
aged and  dishonoured  by  myself  and  others.  Alas ! 
for  that  pride,  passion,  selfishness,  and  unconcern  fgr 
the  glory  of  Christ,  and  spiritual  edification  of  souls, 
which  has  so  often  prevailed ! — -Alas !  for  our  want 
of  due  meekness,  gentleness,  holy  zeal,  self  denial, 
hearty  grief  for  sin,  compassion  to  souls  in  immedi- 
ate connection  with  us,  or  left  in  the  established 
church,  which  became  distinguished  witnesses  for 
Christ.  Alas !  that  we  did  not  chiefly  strive  to  pray 
better,  preach  better,  and  live  better  than  our  neigh- 
bours.,— Study  to  see  every  thing  with  your  own 
eyes,  but  never  indulge  an  itch  after  novelties :  most 
of  those,  which  are  now  esteemed  such,  are  nothing 
but  old  errors^  which  were  long  ago  justly  refuted, 
varnished  over  with  some  new  expressions.  Never, 
by  your  peevishness,  contentions,  eagerness  about 


186  Address  to  Students  of  Divinity, 

wordly  things,  or  the  like,  make  others  think  lightly 
of  the  cause  of  God  among  your  hands.  If  I  mis- 
take not,  the  churches  are  entering  into  a  fearful 
cloud  of  apostacy  and  trouble.  But  he  that  endures 
to  the  end  shall  be  saved.  Be  ye  faithful  unto  the 
death,  and  Christ  shall  give  you  a  crown  of  life. — 
But  if  any  man  draw  back,  God's  soul  shall  have  no 
pleasure  in  him. 

9.  Always  improve  and  live  on  that  blessed  en- 
couragement which  is  off-red  to  you  as  Christians 
and  ministers  in  the  gospel.  Let  all  your  wants  be 
on  Christ.  My  God  shall  supply  all  your  need  accord- 
ing to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  Cast  all 
your  cares  on  him,  for  he  careth  for  you.  Cast  all 
your  burdens  on  him,  and  he  will  sustain  you.  If 
your  holy  services,  through  your  mismanagement, 
occasion  your  uncommon  guilt,  his  blood  cleanseth 
from  all  sin.  You  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father, 
Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,  who  is  the  propitiation 
for  your  sins.  If  you  be  often  difficulted  how  to 
act,  he  hath  said,  The  meek  will  he  guide  in  judge- 
ment: the  meek  will  he  teach  his  way, — I  will  instruct 
thee  and  teach  thee  in  the  way  which  thou  shalt  go.  I 
will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye  set  upon  thee.  I  will 
lead  the  blind  in  a  way  which  they  know  not. — If  you 
be  much  discouraged  because  of  your  rough  way  and 
your  want  of  strength,  he  has  said,  When  the  poor 
and  needy  seek  -water  and  there  is  none,  and  their 
tongue  fail eth  for  thirst,  I  the  Lord  will  hear  them, 
1  the  God  of  Israel  will  not  forsake  them.  I  will 
open  rivers  in  high  places.  Fear  not;  for  I  am  with 
thee:  be  not  dismayed,  for  I  am  thy  God.  F  will 
strengthen  thee :  Tea,  I  will  help  thee :  I xvill  uphold 
thee  with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness.  Fear 
not,  worm  Jacob,— I  will  help  thee,  saiih  the  Lord  thy 
redeemer.  I  will  make  thee  a  new  sharp  threshing-- 
instrument, — and  thou  shalt  thresh  the  mountains* 


Address  to  Students  of  Divinity.  187 

My^ grace  shall  be  sufficient  for  thee:  for  my  strength 
is  made  perfect  in  weakness.  As  thy  days  are,  so 
shall  thy  strength  be. — if  your  troubles  be  many,  he 
hath  said,  When  thou  passeth  through  the  waters,  I 
will  be  with  thee  ;— the  rivers  shall  not  overflow  thee: 
When  thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not 
be  burnt,  nor  shall  the  fame  kindle  upon  thee.— If 
your  incomes  be  small  and  pinching,  Te  knoxv  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  ferns  Christ,  that  though  he  was 
rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  we 
through  his  poverty  might  be  rich.  He  shall  see  his 
seed— the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  be  satisfied:— 
and  he  has  promised,  /  xvill  abundantly  bless  her 
provision,  and  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread.  I  xvill 
satiate  the  soul  of  her  priests  with  fatness.  A  sa- 
lary of  remarkable  fellowship  with  Christ,  and  of 
success  in  winning  souls,  is  the  most  delightful  and 
enriching.— If  your  labours  appear  to  have  little  suc- 
cess, be  the  more  diligent  and  dependent  on  Christ. 
Never  mourn  as  they  that  have  no  hope.  Let  not  the 
eunuch  say  lam  a  dry  tree.  Jesus  hath  said,  I  will 
pour  water  on  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  foods  on  the 
dry  ground.  I  xvill  pour  my  Spirit  on  thy  seed,  and 
my  blessing  on  thine  offspring.  A  seed  shall  serve 
him.  The  xvhole  earth  shall  be  filled  with  his  glory. 
The  kingdoms  of  this  xvorld  shall  become  the  king- 
doms  of  our  Lord  and  his  Christ.  Believe  it  on  the 
testimony  of  God  himself:  believe  it  on  the  testimo- 
ny  of  all  his  faithful  servants  ;  and,  if  mine  were  of 
any  avail,  I  should  add  it,  that  there  is  no  Master  so 
kind  as  Christ ;  no  service  so  pleasant  and  profitable 
as  that  of  Christ ;  and  no  reward  so  full,  satisfying, 
and  permanent  as  that  of  Christ.  Let  us  therefore 
begin  all  things  from  Christ;  carry  on  all  things  xvith 
and  through  Christ ;  and  let  all  things  aim  at  and  end 
in  Christ. 

fijyis: 


Cramer,  Spear  &  Eichbaum 

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plication for  all  Saints."  Eph.  vi.  18. 

THE    HAPPY   VOYAGE    COxMPLETED, 

and  the  sure  anchor  cast.     A  Sermon  occasioned  by 
the  death  of  Capt.  Jonathan  Parsons.     By  the  Rev, 
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R 


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the  same  author. 

Worm  Jacob— thou  shalt  thresh  the  mountains,  and  beat 
them  small,  and  shalt  make  the  hills  as  chaff,  Isaiah  xli  14,  15. 

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To  be  spiritually  minded,  to  be  habitually  dispo- 
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Marshall  on  Sanctification. 

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Ambrose  Looking  unto  Jesus.   2  vols. 

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Village  Sermons ;  or  sixty-five  plain  and  short  dis- 
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A  Collection  of  the  Promises  of  Scripture.  First, 
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Sermons,  by  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  D.  D.  Presi- 
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Bates  on  Man's  Redemption. 


-^J 


i 


